Intersystem communication link

ABSTRACT

A logic system referred to as an intersystem link unit (ISL) is provided for accommodating the transfer of binary coded information between two or more communication busses in a data processing system, wherein information including memory and non-memory read and write requests, CPU to CPU interrupts, peripheral control units to CPU interrupts may be transferred between plural communication busses each supporting plural data processing units including plural CPUs without substantially affecting the bus rate of the individual communication busses. Binary coded information from a communication bus is acquired asynchronously, and plural bus communications of different types are accommodated in parallel. The ISL units further may be dynamically reconfigured to provide for a reallocation of communication bus resources between communication busses.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to automated data processing systems, and moreparticularly to a logic control system for controlling the transfer ofinformation between two or more communication busses of a dataprocessing system.

PRIOR ART

A long-standing problem in the data processing arts has been thedevelopment of data processing architecture for accommodating thetransfer of information between two or more independent data processingsystems. In the past, information exchanges between data processingsystems has been accomplished by means of recording information from onesystem on a medium which may be accessed by a second data processingsystem. In the commercial world where high information flow rates arerequired, delays incurred by such recording techniques are unacceptable.The need for a logic system architecture providing a dynamic exchange ofinformation between independent data processing systems is required.Previous attempts at accomplishing a dynamic exchange of informationbetween independent data processing systems have been unable to contendwith deadlock conditions which may occur when data processing units ondifferent communication busses attempt to communicate with remotecommunication busses in close time proximity through a same informationpath. Further problems have been incurred because the interlinking logiccontrol system substantially affects the bus rates on thosecommunication busses requiring an exchange of information. Furtherproblems have been incurred in requiring special software developmentsto accommodate the intersystem logic.

In the present invention, an intersystem link logic system is providedwherein deadlock conditions are overcome by providing parallelbidirectional transfers paths, dynamic assignment of priorities and abus cycle handling capability for continuing the information flow oncommunication busses between which the information shall be exchanged.Still further, no special software is required to allow any dataprocessing unit on one communication bus to communicate with a remotecommunication bus by way of the ISL unit. The ISL unit thus is softwaretransparent in that interlinked busses appear as one bus to any dataprocessing unit communicating with a remote communication bus through anISL unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An intersystem link (ISL) logic unit is provided for use in a dataprocessing system having plural intersystem communication links foraccommodating the transfer of information between two or morecommunication busses each providing a common information path for pluraldata processing devices including plural CPUs electrically interfacingtherewith.

More particularly, an asynchronous information acquisition logic systemcaptures binary information occurring on a contiguous local bus at thebus rate, and is stored in a separate one of plural dedicated filelocations to accommodate the transfer of plural bus communications ofdifferent types in parallel. An information decoding logic system inelectrical communication with the acquisition logic system identifiessubstantially at the bus rate that binary information to be furtherprocessed by the ISL unit. An information translation logic system inelectrical communication with the acquisition logic system selectivelyconverts local address information to remote address information, andremote address information to local address information substantially atsaid bus rate. A logic control system in electrical communication withthe decoding and the translation logic system, and responsive to theacquisition logic system effects a selective reconfiguration of the ISLunit to control the bidirectional transfer of information includingmemory and non-memory read and write requests, CPU to CPU interrupts,and peripheral control unit to CPU interrupts through the ISL unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and forfurther objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIGS. 1-3 are functional block diagrams of four data processing systemarchitectures embodying the invention;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating twin ISL unitsproviding a communication path between a pair of communication busses;

FIG. 5 is a partial functional block diagram and flow diagramillustrating alternate logic paths through twin ISL units providing acommunication path between a pair of communication busses;

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram of the operation of an ISL unit;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a further data processing systemarchitecture embodying the invention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed functional block diagram of an ISL unit embodyingthe invention;

FIG. 9 is a graphic illustration of the information flow between an ISLunit and a communication bus;

FIG. 10 is a broad functional block diagram of twin ISL unitsinterfacing by way of twin interface busses;

FIG. 11 is a graphic illustration of the information flow between twinISL units;

FIG. 12 is a logic state diagram of the operation of an ISL unit;

FIG. 13 is a partial functional block and partial graphic diagram of theinformation flow from a local communication bus through ISL twin unitsto a remote communication bus; and

FIGS. 14A-14Z, 14AA-14AC are detailed logic schematic diagrams of theISL unit illustrated in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1-3

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate in functional block diagram form four systemarchitectures embodying the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, two intersystem link (ISL) units 10 and 11 areshown providing an interface between two data processing systems eachhaving a communication bus. Each communication bus interfaces in orderof priority with a memory unit, peripheral control units (PCU) and acentral processing unit (CPU). More particularly, ISL unit 10 is inelectrical communication with memory unit 13, PCUs 14 and 15 and CPU 16by way of communication bus 12. ISL unit 11 is in electricalcommunication with memory unit 17, PCUs 18 and 19, and a CPU 20 by wayof a communication bus 21. A detailed disclosure of the communicationbus system may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,993,981 assigned to theassignee of the present invention, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The system architecture illustrated in FIG. 1 accommodates communicationwith either communication bus by the devices on each communication bus.For example, CPU 16 may communicate with the devices on communicationbus 12 or may communicate by means of the ISL units 10 and 11 with thedevices on communication bus 21. An essential characteristic of thesystem is the ISL translatable memory function to be later explained.The memory units 13 and 17, and the CPUs 16 and 20 thereby may have sameaddresses. The peripheral control units also may have same addressesprovided that they are not to be shared.

FIG. 2 illustrates a slightly different system architecture, whereinplural ISL units may interface with a same communication bus. Pluralcommunication paths thereby may be provided from one communication busto another. In addition, all PCUs may be connected to one communicationbus, and access to those PCUs may be obtained by means of ISL unitsinterfacing with that communication bus.

ISL units 30 and 31 each are in electrical communication with acommunication bus 32. ISL unit 30 further may communicate with acommunication bus 33 by way of an ISL unit 34. In addition, ISL unit 31may communicate with a communication bus 35 by way of an ISL unit 36.The ISL unit 36 further may communicate with communication bus 35, andwith communication busses 32 and 33 through interfaces with ISL units30, 31 and 34. In like manner, the ISL unit 34 may communicate withcommunication bus 33, and with communication busses 32 and 35 throughinterfaces with ISL units 30, 31 and 36. Any device on any of the threecommunication busses, therefore, may communicate with any other deviceof the system of FIG. 2. The CPUs and memory units may have sameaddresses as before described, and may be time-shared. The PCUs,however, may have same addresses only if they are not to be time-shared.

Referring to FIG. 3, a system architecture having redundantcommunication paths is illustrated. For example, a communication bus 40may communicate with a communication bus 41 by way of a communicationlink 42 having twin ISL units 42a and 42b, or by way of communicationlinks 43 and 44 with their respective ISL twin units. In the event thatlink 42 is inoperative, communication still may be carried out by meansof links 43 and 44. This multipath capability is provided by means of atime-out logic system to be later explained which is resident in eachISL unit, wherein an alternate communication path is sought when acurrent communication path is blocked.

FIG. 4

FIG. 4 illustrates in simplified functional block diagram form twin ISLunits providing a communication path between a pair of communicationbusses.

Referring to FIG. 4, each of the ISL units 50 and 51 provide a path fordata and control information between system components attached tocommunication busses 52 and 53. The ISL units are identical, and eachcontains a register file of sufficient width to store an entirecommunication bus transfer including integrity and control information.More particularly, channel number and address information from a localcommunication bus 52 is sensed by a logic recognition unit 54 of localISL unit 50. If the information includes a channel number or addressthat is recognized by the recognition unit, the address and data businformation are stored in a register file 55 having four locations. Ifcommunication between the local bus 52 and the remote bus 53 isrequired, the channel number and address information received by thelocal ISL unit 50 undergoes a translation by a translation logic unit 56before being transferred through the remote ISL unit 51 to the remotebus 53.

In the event a communication request is initiated by the remote bus 53,a channel number and address information is sensed by a logicrecognition unit 57 of the remote ISL unit 51. If such information isrecognized, data and address information from the remote bus are storedin a remote register file 58 having four locations. If communicationwith the local bus 52 is required, the channel and address informationis applied through a translation logic unit 59 before being transferredthrough the local ISL unit 50 to the local bus 52. For convenience, thetwo busses are designated as either the local or the remote bus. Thislocal/remote relationship normally depends on which bus initiated acycle. The ISL unit which receives bus information from an adjacent bus,therefore, is designated a local ISL unit.

The logic names of the four file locations of register files 55 and 58indicate the ISL logic operations executed to control ISL traffic. Theregister files are used for temporary storage of bus information. Inthis way, an ISL does not tie up a local bus if delays are encounteredwhile gaining access to a remote bus. With the use of the registerfiles, all local bus traffic operates at normal bus speeds and each ofthe register file locations have dedicated functions for a specific typeof bus transfer. Table 1 indicates the types of bus cycles that mayoccur during which bus information is stored in the file registers.Memory write bus cycles require that the specific register to which theyare assigned be empty. This condition is tested via file full flip-flopsthat are located in each ISL unit. A read cycle requires that a specificresponse be preserved in a remote ISL unit. This requirement relates toa general bus characteristic requiring that second half (response)cycles always be accepted, and is accomplished through the resetting ofthe file full flip-flop. Once a write request passes from a local ISLunit to a remote ISL unit, a file full flip-flop is reset to complete anoperation. Conversely, a file full flip-flop is not reset during a readrequest until a response is received from an addressed device on theremote bus. No request can be accepted by the local ISL unit, therefore,until the previous response is completed by the remote ISL unit.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        BUS CYCLE TYPES AND FILE USAGE                                                                 ENTERS      RESERVES                                         BUS CYCLE        REGISTER    REGISTER                                         TYPE             MNEMONIC    MNEMONIC                                         ______________________________________                                        Memory Read Request                                                                            MRQ         MRS                                              Memory Write Request                                                                           MRQ         --                                               Memory Read Response                                                                           MRS         --                                               I/O Output Request                                                                             RRQ         --                                               I/O Input Request                                                                              RRQ         RRS                                              Interrupt        RRQ         --                                               I/O Input Response                                                                             RRS         --                                               Memory Read, Test & Set                                                                        RRQ         RRS                                              Memory Read, Reset Lock                                                                        MRQ         MRS                                              Memory Write, Reset Lock                                                                       MRQ         --                                               ______________________________________                                    

There are two distinctly different transfer paths through which an ISLunit responds to bus requests. In response to Memory Request (MRQ)requests passing through an MRQ location of a register file, an ISL unitissues a response on a local bus without first interrogating a remotebus. It is important that the ISL unit respond to such requests and freethe local bus as fast as a conventional memory unit. For those requestspassing through a Retry Request (RRQ) location, the ISL unit seeks theresponse of the destination unit on the remote bus. Since thedestination unit may respond with either an Acknowledge (ACK), aNegative Acknowledge (NAK), or a Wait (WAIT) signal, the ISL unit cannotgive a meaningful response to the requesting unit until an actualresponse is available.

When a local ISL unit receives an RRQ request, it responds with a WAITresponse. The requesting unit on the local bus then proceeds toreinitiate the request cycle until it receives a non-WAIT response.While the requesting unit is occupied, the remote ISL twin addresses thedestination unit and obtains a response (ACK, NAK or WAIT). Each timethe requesting unit issues a request cycle, the local ISL unit respondswith a WAIT response until an ACK or NAK is received from thedestination unit. The local ISL unit then compares the informationreceived during the request bus cycle with the contents of the RRQregister location. If the requesting unit is the same unit that made theoriginal request, the local ISL unit shall forward the response receivedfrom the remote ISL unit to the local bus. If the remote ISL unitreceived an ACK, NAK, or WAIT signal from the destination unit, thelocal ISL unit issues a like response to the local communication bus.

Each ISL unit may assume the bus visibility of a memory, an I/Ocontroller, or a processor at different times as it intercepts a bustransfer on one bus and reinitiates it on a different bus. Each ISL unitis configured through the storage of data in mask and translation RAMsto respond to certain memory addresses, CPU addresses, and channelnumbers. During system operation, each ISL unit monitors all bustraffic, and responds to individual bus request cycles within a range ofidentification numbers in behalf of a destination device on a remote busto which the cycle was directed. When a local ISL unit responds to a busrequest cycle (BSDCNN), it passes local bus information to the remoteISL unit. The remote ISL unit thereupon reinitiates the bus requestcycle on the remote bus. The response cycle from the destination unitfollows a similar route in the reverse direction, and is finally routedto the originating unit.

Except for the ISL configuration mode to be described, an ISL unit hasminimal software visibility. The object is to provide ISL units that aretransparent, thereby permitting the same functions occurring between twodevices residing on the same bus to occur between two devices ondifferent busses.

Since an ISL unit interconnects two communication busses, it may be usedas a component in the building of multibus configurations. The ISL unitcan support any system configuration that ranges from a simple busextension to configurations that require shared memory capability,central processor to central processor interrupts, and dual access toI/O controllers. Further, linked systems may contain multiple bussesthat are linked by multiple ISL units.

FIGS. 5 AND 6

FIG. 5 illustrates in simplified functional block diagram form the orderof actions performed during a transfer of information betweencommunication busses. FIG. 6 illustrates the same order of actions byway of a timing diagram.

Referring to FIG. 5, a request cycle (BSDCNN) is generated by a deviceinterfacing with a communication bus 60. During the request cycle, thefile register 61a location corresponding to the type of cycle beingrequested is scanned to determine if another request presently residesin the register file. In the event that the file register location isempty, the data associated with the BSDCNN signal is stored in the localfile register 61a. Further, it is determined whether or not theassociated ISL interface unit 62a may act as an agent for thecommunication bus 60 request. If not, the BSDCNN signal is ignored. Inthe event that the ISL interface unit may accept the signal, an ACK, NAKor WAIT response may be transmitted to the communication bus 60. Moreparticularly, if the device to which a communication is to betransmitted is a memory unit interfacing with a communication bus 63, anACK is normally sent as a response. If the device is a PCU, however, aWAIT is generated until it is determined whether or not the peripheralunit shall generate an ACK, NAK or WAIT. The communication bus 60 thenis freed to continue processing additional cycle requests. In the eventthe ISL interface unit 62a becomes temporarily busy after it isdetermined that the unit may act as agent for the local bus request, theunit responds with a WAIT response.

Upon determining that a device to which information is to be transferredis available, a local ISL cycle is scheduled within the ISL unit 61. Thescheduling is required to avoid conflicts with a response or requestinitiated by communication bus 63. When a first local cycle in the ISLunit is completed, the ISL interface unit 62a is loaded with address,control and data signals from the communication bus 60. A second localcycle is not initiated until a remote cycle in ISL unit 64 is completedto empty the ISL interface unit. In conjunction with the scheduling, theISL units also follow a priority scheme wherein memory requestssupersede those to other devices, and local cycles supersede remotecycles. When the ISL unit 64 enters into a remote cycle, the informationstored in the ISL interface unit 62a is transferred to a file register64b. At this time, the ISL unit 64 attempts to issue a MYDCNN signal tothe communication bus 63. When a bus cycle is provided to the ISL unit64, the information stored in the file register 64b is forwarded to anaddressed device interfacing with the communication bus 63. Theinformation supplied by the communication bus 60 thereby is transferredsubstantially in its original form to the communication bus 63.

In the event a device interfacing with the communication bus 63initiates a cycle request to communicate with a device interfacing withthe communication bus 60, the abovedescribed operation is repeated withthe local cycle operation occurring in the ISL unit 64 and the remotecycle operation occurring in the ISL unit 61. More particularly, thecommunication bus 63 issues a BSDCNN signal which is stored in a fileregister 64a. A local ISL cycle then is initiated to store address,control and data signals from communication bus 63 into an ISL interfaceunit 62b. Upon the occurrence of a remote ISL cycle in ISL unit 61, theinformation stored in the ISL interface unit 62b is supplied to thecommunication bus 60 by way of a file register 61b.

Referring to FIG. 6, a waveform 65 illustrates a BSDCNN signal issued bya communication bus in response to a cycle request, and a waveform 66illustrates the occurrence of local ISL cycles. A waveform 67illustrates the time period during which information is transferred froma local file register, through an ISL interface unit to a remoteregister file. A waveform 68 illustrates the occurrence of remote ISLcycles, and a waveform 69 illustrates a time period during whichcommunication between a remote register file and a device interfacingwith a remote communication bus is established.

It is to be understood that the waveforms of FIG. 6 illustraterepresentative and not precise time periods. It is the order ofoccurrence which is essential, not the duration.

A first local communication bus generates a BSDCNN signal represented bypulse 65a, which is received by a local ISL unit interfacing with thecommunication bus. If the interface unit is available, informationsupplied by the local communication bus is stored in the interface unit.The local ISL unit thereupon enters into a local ISL cycle representedby pulse 66a during which a response to the BSDCNN signal may begenerated to indicate the availability of an ISL interface unit. Uponthe occurrence of a transfer cycle pulse as illustrated at 67a, a remoteISL cycle request is scheduled. During a remote cycle as illustrated bypulse 68a, information stored in the ISL interface unit is forwarded toa remote file register interfacing with a remote communication bus. Abus cycle request thereupon is made by the remote ISL unit, and a buscycle is made available to the ISL unit on a priority basis. During thistime period as illustrated by pulse 69a, a MYDCNN cycle is generated onthe remote communication bus in response to pulse 69a to establish acommunication channel between a device interfacing with thecommunication bus and the remote file register. Information supplied bythe local communication bus thereupon is placed upon the remotecommunication bus. The device addressed by a channel number comprisingthe information then may receive the information and issue an ACKsignal, or in the alternative issue either a NAK or WAIT signal asbefore described.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 illustrates in functional block diagram form a further systemarchitecture embodying the invention, wherein plural communicationbusses may interface with a single communication bus to which all PCUsof a data processing system may be interfaced. Further, if a virtualmemory concept is adopted, remote system memory units may be interfacedwith one communication bus, while local system memory units may beinterfaced with those communication busses directly communicating withCPUs.

Referring to FIG. 7, remote memory units 70-72 and ISL units 73 and 74are in electrical communication with a communication bus 75. ISL unit 73further is in electrical communication with an ISL unit 76 connected toa communication bus 77. In addition, ISL unit 74 is in electricalcommunication with an ISL unit 78 connected to a communication bus 79. ACPU 80, an ISL unit 81 and a local memory unit 82 also are connected tothe communication bus 79. In addition, a CPU 83, an ISL unit 84 and alocal memory unit 85 are connected to a communication bus 77.

The system architecture thus far described accommodates the use ofvirtual memory concepts wherein CPU 83 may access not only local memoryunit 85, but also remote memory units 70-72. In like manner, CPU 80 mayaccess local memory unit 82 and remote memory units 70-72.

ISL unit 81 further is in electrical communication with an ISL unit 86connected to a communication bus 87. ISL unit 84 is in electricalcommunication with an ISL unit 88 connected to communication bus 87. Aplurality of PCUs 89 also are connected to the communication bus 87 toprovide CPUs 80 and 83 access to common information sources.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 illustrates the data flow through a single ISL unit in a moredetailed functional block diagram form. The control logic for the ISLunit shall be described in connection with the description of FIGS. 14.

A data transceiver 90 receives data from a local communication bus, andsupplies such data to a 16-bit data bus 91 connected to the input of a4×16 bit data file register 92 for storage. The bus 91 also is connectedto one input of a bus comparator 93 for comparison with data stored inthe data file register 92. The data bit zero line of bus 91 is connectedto an input of a master clear generator 94. The master clear generatorfurther receives a 6-bit initialization instruction by way of bit lines8 through 16 of a 24-bit local address bus 96. In response to theabovedescribed input signals, the generator issues a master clear signalon a conducting line 97 to reset the ISL unit as shall be furtherexplained in connection with the description of FIGS. 14.

The bus 96 is connected to the output of an address transceiver 98receiving address information from the local communication bus. Bitlines 8-16 of the bus 96 are applied to the input of an ISL addresscomparator 99 for address detection, and bit lines 0-9 are applied tothe I2 input of a 10-bit memory address multiplexer 100. Data bit lines0-1 are applied to the I1 input of multiplexer 100 during the period ofresponse to I/0 output load commands. Bit lines 8-17 of the bus 96 areapplied to the I2 input of a 10-bit channel address register 101, andbit lines 18-23 are applied to the input of a function decoder PROM 102.The bus 96 further is applied to a 4×24 bit address file register 103for storage, and to a second input of the bus comparator 93 forcomparison with the contents of the data file register 92.

An address receiver 104 receives address information from a remotecommunication bus, and applies such information to a 24-bit tri-stateaddress bus 105 which is connected to an input of a function codedecoder 106 by way of a 4-bit bus 107 comprising bit lines 20 through23. The bit lines 20 through 23 of address bus 105 are connected to the4-bit output of PROM 102. Bit lines 5 through 17 of bus 105 areconnected to the output of a 13-bit RAM control register 108, and bitlines 0-23 are connected to the 23-bit output of address file register103 by way of a bus 110. In addition, the bus 105 is connected to a24-bit input of bus comparator 93, and bit lines 8-23 of the bus areconnected to the I2 input of an address multiplexer register 111. Bitlines 14-17 of the bus are connected to the I1 input of an addressmultiplexer 112. The bit lines 14-17 of bus 105 are connected to a 4-bitinput I1 of a 16×4 bit CPU source translation RAM 113, bit lines 14-17to a 4-bit input I2 of a CPU address register 114, bit lines 0-23 areconnected to a 24-bit input of ISL interface output drivers 115, and bitlines 8-17 to a 10-bit input I2 of register 101.

Data from a remote communication bus (transmitted via a remote ISL unit)is applied through data receivers 116 to a 16-bit tri-state data bus117, bit lines 2-15 of which are applied to the input of a 10-bit RAMup-counter 118. The counter 118 applies a 3-bit write enable controlsignal to a conducting line 119 and a 10-bit count by way of a bus 120to inputs of the RAM control register 108. The data bus 117 further isconnected to the output of a 16-bit data file transmitter register 121which applies information from the data file register 92 to thetri-state bus. The input of register 121 is connected to a 16-bit inputof bus comparator 93, to the output of data file register 92, and to a16-bit input I1 of multiplexer 111. A third input I3 to multiplexer 111is connected to the output of address multiplexer 112, a second input I2of which is connected to a 4-bit bus 122. The 16-bit output ofmultiplexer 111 is applied to the input of address transceivers 123. Theoutput of the address transceivers 123 is applied to the localcommunication bus.

The data file register 92 supplies data to the bus comparator 93 duringlocal communication bus cycles, to the address multiplexer 111 duringresponse cycles, and to the data file transmitter register 121 duringinternal ISL cycles.

The bit lines 6-15 of data bus 117 are applied to the I1 input of a 1.0Kby 11-bit memory address translation RAM 125, a write enable input I2 ofwhich is connected to the bit 5 data line of the data bus 117. A thirdinput I3 to the RAM 125 is connected to the 10-bit output of multiplexer100. The RAM provides 10 bits of translated memory address data toeither the input of a 10-bit memory reference register 126, or to theinput of a 10-bit IOLD (input/output load) register 127. The RAM 125also applies a hit bit control signal by way of a conducting line 128leading to an input of an internal data multiplexer 129. The output ofregister 126 is applied by way of a 10-bit tristate bus 130 to a secondinput of multiplexer 129 and through drivers 115 to the remotecommunication bus. The output of register 127 also is applied by way ofthe bus 130 to the drivers 115 and to a third input of the multiplexer129.

Bit lines 6-9 of the data bus 117 are applied to the I1 input of theregister 114, the output of which is applied to the I1 input of a 16×4bit CPU definition RAM 131. The I2 input to RAM 131 is connected to bitlines 0-3 of the data bus 117, and the I3 input to the RAM is connectedto the data bit 3 line of the data bus 117. The output of the RAM isapplied to a 4-bit input I5 of the multiplexer 129, and to a 4-bit inputof I1 of the drivers 115.

The bit lines 6-9 of data bus 117 are connected to a 4-bit interruptchannel register 132, bit lines 0-15 to the input of a timer and statuslogic unit 133, bit lines 10-15 to the input of a 6-bit interrupt leverregister 134, and bit lines 0-15 to a 16-bit input I1 of datamultiplexer 129. The bit lines 0-4 of the data bus 117 are connected tothe input of a 5-bit mode control register 135, bit lines 0-3 to the I1input of a 4-bit CPU source address register 136 and to the I1 input ofthe register 136, and bit lines 6-9 to the I2 input of register 136. Bitline 3 of data bus 117 is applied to the write enable input of the CPUdestination RAM 131.

The 4-bit output of register 132 is applied by way of bus 122 to the I2input of address multiplexer 112 as before described, and to a 4-bitinput I4 of the data multiplexer 129. The logic unit 133 applies ISLstatus bits to the I3 input of data multiplexer 129, and the output ofregister 134 is applied to the I2 input of the data multiplexer. Theoutput of the mode control register 135 is applied to control logic tobe further explained in connection with the description of FIGS. 14. The4-bit output of the register 136 is applied to the I2 input of the RAM113, the output of which is applied to the I1 input of a datamultiplexer 137.

The I2 input to the data multiplexer 137 is connected to the output ofdata multiplexer 129, to the I3 input of a data multiplexer register138, and through Is1 output drivers 139 to the remote communication bus.The output of the data multiplexer 138 is applied to the I2 input of thedata multiplexer 138. The I1 input to the data multiplexer 138 isconnected to the ISL address output of a hex rotary switch 140, and theoutput of the multiplexer is applied through data transceivers 141 tothe local communication bus.

The multiplexer 138 provides a 16-bit output to the transceivers 141.Bits 6-9 of the output are supplied by multiplexer 137, and bits 0-5 and10-15 are supplied by multiplexer 129. Bits 0-15 of the multiplexer 129output are applied to the drivers 139.

One input of a 1024×1-bit RAM 142 is connected to the output of theregister 101. A write enable input I2 to the RAM 142 is connected to thebit 4 line of data bus 117, and the output of the RAM is applied to theI8 input of the data multiplexer 129.

Control logic to be further explained in connected with the descriptionof FIGS. 14 applies control signals on conducting lines 143-145 leadingto inputs of a cycle generator 146. In response thereto, the generator146 issues timing signals as shall be further explained.

A brief description of the operation of the communication busses shallbe made to provide an understanding of the types and formats of commandsand other information received by an ISL unit from a communication bus.The description of the ISL/bus interface then shall be followed by adescription of an ISL-to-ISL interface, and a description of theoperation of the ISL unit of FIG. 8 in response to specific busrequests.

A communication bus provides a common communication path for all devicesinterfacing with the bus. The bus is asynchronous in design, therebypermitting devices of varying speeds to operate efficiently in the samesystem. The bi-directional characteristic of the bus permits any twodevices to communicate at a given time. The transfer of informationbetween the devices forms a master/slave relationship, with the devicerequesting and receiving access to the bus becoming the master and thedevice being addressed by the master becoming the slave.

All information transfers are from master to slave, and each transfer isreferred to as a bus cycle. The bus cycle is the period of time in whichthe requester (master) asks for use of the bus. If no other device of ahigher priority has made a bus request, use of the bus is granted to therequester (master). The master then transmits its information to theslave, and the slave acknowledges the communication.

If the master's request requires a response, the responding slave unitassumes the role of master, and the requesting unit (previous master)becomes the slave. Communication between a master and slave requires aresponse from the slave when the slave is transferring data. In thiscase, the request for information requires one cycle, and the transferof information back to the requester requires an additional bus cycle tocomplete the task.

A master unit may address any other device on the bus as a slave unit byplacing the slave unit address on the address lines of the bus. Thereare twenty-four address lines, which can have either of twointerpretations depending on the state of a memory reference (BSMREF)signal. If the BSMREF signal is at a logic one level, the followingformat applies to the address lines: ##STR1##

If the BSMREF signal is false, the following format applies to theaddress lines: ##STR2##

Three types of communications are permitted over a bus: memorytransfers, I/O transfers and interrupts. When devices on a bus aretransferring control information, data or interrupts, they address eachother by channel number. Along with the channel number, a 6-bit functioncode is transferred to specify the functions to be performed.

When a master unit requires a response from a slave unit, the masterunit transitions the bus write (BSWRIT-) signal to a logic zero level.In addition, the master unit provides its own identity to the slave unitby means of a channel number. This is coded on the data lines of the busas follows: ##STR3##

A channel number exists for every device in a system except for memory,which is identified only by a memory address. The channel number of aslave unit appears on the address bus for all non-memory transfers. Eachdevice compares that channel number with its own internally storedchannel number. The device which detects an equivalence is the slaveunit, and must respond to that cycle. The response cycle is directed tothe master unit by a nonmemory reference transfer. A second-half buscycle (BSSHBC-) signal accompanies a transfer to identify the bus cycleas the one awaited by the master unit.

CPU channel numbers are restricted to the range of 000₁₆ through 00F₁₆.The six most significant bits of the channel number are fixed as zerosby the CPU logic, and only the least significant four bits are variable.CPU channel numbers are not used by any other devices.

Tables 2A and B list the common types of bus operations, each requiringeither one or two bus cycles. Information transfers that are consideredwrite operations require one bus cycle, while transfers that areconsidered read operations require an additional bus cycle for theresponse.

    TABLE 2A      KEY CONTROL SIGNALS  NO. OF  BSWRIT- BSSHBC- BSMREF- OPERATION CYCLES     MASTER SLAVE ADDRESS LINES Data Lines                T F T MemoryWrite 1 CPU+CU MEM      ##STR4##      ##STR5##      F F T MemoryRead andResponse 1 CPU+CU MEM      ##STR6##      ##STR7##      T T F  1 MEM CPU+CU      ##STR8##      ##STR9##      T F T  MemoryWrite 1 CPU+CU MEM      ##STR10##      ##STR11##      F F F I/O ReadandResponse 1 CPU CU      ##STR12##      ##STR13##      T T F  1 CU CPU      ##STR14##      ##STR15##      T F F I/OAddressOutput 1 CPU CU      ##STR16##      ##STR17##      T F F IOLD DataOutput 1 CPU CU      ##STR18##      ##STR19##      T F F Interrupt 1 CU CPU      ##STR20##      ##STR21##

                  TABLE 2B                                                        ______________________________________                                        Communication Bus Operations                                                  Type of                            Number of                                  Operation     Source    Destination                                                                              Bus Cycles                                 ______________________________________                                        Instruction Fetch                                                                           CPU       Memory     2                                          Operand Fetch CPU       Memory     2                                          Operand Store CPU       Memory     1                                          Memory Read   Controller                                                                              Memory     2                                          Memory Write  Controller                                                                              Memory     1                                          I/O Output Command                                                                          CPU       Controller 1                                          I/O Input Command                                                                           CPU       Controller 2                                          Interrupt     Controller                                                                              CPU        1                                          ______________________________________                                    

Table 3 provides a complete list of the signals used to interface theISL logic with the bus. The signals further are illustrated in FIG. 9.The following interface signals provide the handshake functions requiredby a device on a communication bus to either initiate, accept, or deny arequest for a bus cycle from another device. It is to be understood thatin describing the signals, the terms true and false must be interpretedin conjunction with the plus and minus signs associated with the signalmnemonic. For example, a BSREQT- is at a logic zero when true and at alogic one level when false. A BSAUOK+ signal, however, is at a logic onelevel when true and at a logic zero level when false.

The bus request (BSREQT-) signal when true indicates that one or more ofthe devices connected to the bus requested a bus cycle. When this signalis false, no requests are pending. The data cycle now (BSDCNN-) signalwhen true indicates that a specific master unit (i.e., CPU, memory orcontrol unit) has been granted a requested bus cycle and has placedinformation on the bus for use by a specific slave unit. When thissignal is false, the bus is not busy and may be between bus cycles. Theacknowledge (BSACKR-) signale when true indicates to the master unitthat the slave unit has received and accepted a specific transfer fromthe master unit. The negative acknowledge signal (BSNAKR-) indicates toa master unit that a slave unit is refusing a specific transfer. Forexample, a slave unit may refuse to accept a transfer when a controlunit that is busy is addressed for a data transfer. The wait (BSWAIT-)signal when true indicates to a master unit that a slave unit cannotaccept a specific transfer at this time. The slave unit may betemporarily busy, and the master unit must initiate successive retriesuntil the transfer is acknowledged.

The following signals effect the transfer of information during a buscycle. The bus data bit lines (BSDT00- through BSDT15) can be formattedfor a single data word, for channel number coding, for low-order addressbits, or for a level of priority decoding depending upon the operationbeing performed. Thus, data, address, control, register, or statusinformation can be reflected by the 16 data lines of a communicationbus. The 24 address lines (BSAD00- through BSAD23-) of a bus can beformatted for a single 23-bit main memory address to select one of eightmillion words. The address lines can also be formatted for a channelnumber code, for an I/O function code on lines 18 through 23, or for acombination of all three for an IOLD operation to be further explained.

                                      TABLE 3                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Communication Bus Interface Signals                                           SIGNAL TYPE                                                                             LINES                                                                             FUNCTION     MNEMONIC                                           __________________________________________________________________________    Timing    1   Bus Request  BSREQT-                                                      1   Data Cycle Now                                                                             BSDCNN-                                                      1   Acknowledge  BSACKR-                                                      1   Negative Acknowledge                                                                       BSNAKR-                                                      1   Wait         BSWAIT-                                            Information                                                                             16  Data         BSDT00-                                                                       through                                                                       BSDT15-                                                      24  Address      BSAD00-                                                                       through                                                                       BSAD23-                                            Information Control                                                                     1   Memory Reference                                                                           BSMREF-                                                      1   Byte         BSBYTE-                                                      1   Bus Write    BSWRIT-                                                      1   Second Half Bus Cycle                                                                      BSSHBC-                                                      1   Lock         BSLOCK-                                                      1   Double Pull  BSDBPL-                                            Status/Error                                                                            1   Memory Error (Red)                                                                         BSREDD-                                                      1   Memory Error (Yellow)                                                                      BSYELO-                                                      1   Data Parity Left                                                                           BSDP00-                                                      1   Data Parity Right                                                                          BSDP08-                                                      1   Address Parity (Bits 0-7)                                                                  BSAP00-                                                      1   Logic Test Out                                                                             BSQLTO-                                                      1   Logic Test In                                                                              BSQLTI-                                            Tie-Breaking                                                                            1   Tie-Breaking Network                                                                       BSAUOK+                                                      1                BSBUOK+                                                      1                BSCUOK+                                                      1                BSDUOK+                                                      1                BSEUOK+                                                      1                BSFUOK+                                                      1                BSGUOK+                                                      1                BSHUOK+                                                      1                BSIUOK+                                                      1   Tie-Breaking Network                                                                       BSMYOK+                                            Miscellaneous                                                                           1   Master Clear BSMCLR-                                                      1   Power On     BSPWON+                                                      1   Resume Interrupt                                                                           BSRINT-                                                      1   50 to 60 Hz Clock                                                                          BSTIMR-                                            __________________________________________________________________________

The following signals serve as data, address, and information controlsignals that effect the transfer and control of information during a buscycle. The memory reference (BSMREF-) signal when true indicates thatbus address lines 0 through 23 contain a complete main memory addressfrom a master unit. When false, the BSMREF- signal indicates that thebus address lines contain a channel number on lines 8 through 17 with orwithout a function code on lines 18 through 23, or that the bus addresslines contain a main memory module address code on lines 0 through 7.The write (BSWRIT-) signal when true indicates that a master unit istransferring data to a slave unit. When the signal is false, the initialbus cycle signals a read request, and the data lines of the bus containthe channel number of the requesting unit. If the slave unit accepts therequest, it is expected to reply with a read response in a second-halfbus cycle (BSSHBC). The BSWRIT- signal is true for all operations excepta control unit or a CPU memory read request, and a CPU I/O read command.These operations require a response request to supply information to themaster unit by way of a separate bus transfer. The second-half bus cycle(BSSHBC-) signal when true indicates to a master unit that the currentinformation generated by a slave unit is the information previouslyrequested during an initial bus cycle.

The byte (BSBYTE-) signal when true indicates that a current transfer isa byte rather than word transfer. This signal is used during memorywrite operations only. The lock (BSLOCK-) signal when true indicatesthat a master unit requested a change in the status of the memory unitlock flip-flop. The BSLOCK- signal also enables a three-cycle,read-modify-write operation which allows the three cycles to be executedfor a requesting unit without interruption. The first cycle is a readcycle during which the address lines of the bus contain the memoryaddress, and the data lines of the bus contain the channel number of therequesting device. The second cycle is a response cycle during which theaddress lines of the bus contain the channel number of the requestingdevice, and the data lines of the bus contain data read from mainmemory. The third cycle is a write cycle during which the address linesof the bus contain the memory address, while the data lines of the buscontain data to be written into memory. A device thus can read andmodify a specific memory location while preventing any read-modify-writeinterruption by another device on a bus. Memory can be accessed by othermemory requests, however, following the second of the three cycles abovedescribed.

The double pull (BSDBPL-) signal when true indicates that a master unitis requesting a double-word operand from a slave unit. During a firstsecond half bus cycle, the BSDBPL- signal is returned to the requestingunit to indicate that another word follows.

The following signal lines provide main memory error reporting signalsfor the available devices, and two-way bus parity lines for odd paritysignals used with the address and/or information bits that are placed ona communication bus. Two lines provide for a bus continuity check, andtest the integrity of the resident logic test in each device. The busred error signal (BSREDD-) is generated only by a main memory unit thatcontains EDAC logic. When true, the signal indicates that memorydetected an error during a second half bus cycle of a read operation.The bus yellow error signal (BSYELO-) is generated only by a main memoryunit that contains EDAC logic. When true, this signal indicates thatmemory detected and corrected an error during a second half cycle of aread operation. The logic level of a bus address parity signal (PSAPOO-)provides odd parity for address bits 0 through 7 (i.e. module addressbits). The logic level of a bus data parity left byte signal (BSDP00-)provides odd parity for bits 0 through 7 of a sixteen-bit data word. Thelogic level of a bus data parity right byte signal (BSDP08-) providesodd parity for the bits 8 through 15 of the sixteen bit data word. Thebus quality logic test out-and-in signals (BSQLTO- and BSQLTI-) arestatic integrity signals which, if continuously true, indicate that eachtest has been completed successfully. The signals are relayed fromdevice to device from one end of the bus to the other and back. Thisaction effectively provides a continuity check for all availabledevices.

There are nine signals referred to as tie-breaking signals (BSAUOK+through BSIUOK+), all of which must be true to provide an enable for anydevice that requests a bus cycle. If more than one device simultaneouslyrequests a bus cycle, the cycle is granted to only one device on apositional priority basis as before described. Memory has the highestpositional priority, and the CPUs have the lowest priority. Undersimultaneous request conditions, therefore, the highest priorityrequesting device receives true enables from all nine tie-breakingsignals. The remaining requesting devices receive eight or less,depending on the relative position of their decreasing priority.

A signal (BSMYOK+) indicates to a next lower priority device that agenerating device, and certain other devices of a higher positionalpriority have not requested a bus cycle within a predetermined timeperiod. A bus cycle may be granted if requested, therefore, to a lowerpriority unit.

The following control signals are asynchronous in relation to thefunctions they perform in the normal initiation and control of buscycles. The resume interrupt (BSRINT-) signal when true allows allcontrol units to reissue an interrupt that was previously refused by aCPU via a negative acknowledge signal. The master clear (BSMCLR-) signalindicates that the master clear (CLR) pushbutton, located on the CPUcontrol panel, is depressed or a power-on sequence is in effect. Ifeither of these conditions exists, an initialize operation iseffectively performed in and for all of the available devices. When thebus power on (BSPWON+) signal is true, it indicates that all systempower supplies are functioning correctly. This signal transitions to atrue state when the power stabilizes, and transitions to a false stateseveral milliseconds before the power fails.

The communication busses interface with the ISL units by way of a groupof transceivers providing the equivalent electrical characteristicsrequired of all bus connections, thereby allowing data, address, andmost control signals to be routed to and from the ISL units.

The interface between ISL units is illustrated in broad functional blockdiagram form in FIG. 10. The interface signals exchanged between ISLunits is illustrated for convenience in FIG. 11 and listed in Table 4.

                                      TABLE 4                                     __________________________________________________________________________    ISL Interface Signals                                                                               NUMBER                                                                              LOCAL  REMOTE                                     TYPE                                                                              FUNCTION          OF LINES                                                                            NAME   NAME                                       __________________________________________________________________________        Address           24    LCAD00+                                                                              RMAD00+                                                                through                                                                              through                                                                LCAD23+                                                                              RMAD23+                                        Data              16    LDAT00+                                                                              RMDT00+                                                                through                                                                              through                                                                LDAT15+                                                                              RMDT15+                                        Recoverable Memory Error (Yellow)                                                               1     LCYELO+                                                                              RMYELO+                                        Byte Transfer     1     LCBYTE+                                                                              FILBYT+                                        Bus Write         1     LCWRIT+                                                                              FILWRT+                                        Memory Reference  1     LCMREF+                                                                              FIMREF+                                        Lock              1     LCLOCK+                                                                              FILOCK+                                        Double Pull       1     LCDBLE+                                                                              FILDBL+                                        Master Clear      1     BSMCLR-                                                                              BSMCLR-                                        Resume Interrupt  1     BSRINT+                                                                              BSRINT+                                    ISL Remote Strobe     1     RMTSTB+                                                                              RMTSTB+                                        Transfer Done     1     XFRDUN+                                                                              XFRDUN+                                        Generate Memory Request                                                                         1     GENMRQ-                                                                              GENMRQ-                                        Generate Memory Response                                                                        1     GENMRS-                                                                              GENMRS-                                        Generate Retry Request                                                                          1     GENRRQ-                                                                              GENRRQ-                                        Generate Retry Response                                                                         1     GENRRS-                                                                              GENRRS-                                        Remote Bus Acknowledge                                                                          1     RMACKR+                                                                              RMACKR+                                        Remote Bus Negative Acknowledge                                                                 1     RMNAKR+                                                                              RMNAKR+                                        Retry Response    1     RMRESP+                                                                              RMRESP+                                        Answer Acknowledged                                                                             1     ANSWAK+                                                                              ANSWAK+                                        Translate Channel Number                                                                        1     XLATOR-                                                                              XLATOR-                                        Remote Function   1     FMTFUN+                                                                              RMTFUN+                                        ISL Clear         1     MYMCLR-                                                                              MYMCLR-                                        Twin Connected    1     TWINCN-                                                                              TWINCN-                                        Address Parity Error                                                                            1     LCAPER+                                                                              LCAPER+                                        Data Parity Error 1     LCDPER+                                                                              LCDPER+                                        Nonexistent Memory                                                                              1     NOXMEM-                                                                              NOXMEM-                                        Remote Watchdog Time-Out                                                                        1     WTIMOT+                                                                              WTIMDT+                                        Remote Dead Man Time-Out                                                                        1     RMTOUT-                                                                              RMTOUT-                                    __________________________________________________________________________

The asynchronous intra-ISL interface is comprised of two identicalunidirectional busses as illustrated in FIG. 10, thereby providingparallel bidirectional processing between ISL units. FIG. 11 illustratesthe information transfer on one of the two busses. The followingparagraphs provide a brief description of the ISL signals appearing onsuch a bus.

When a local ISL unit has information to transfer to a remote ISL unit,the local ISL unit issues a remote strobe (RMTSTB+) signal to the remoteISL unit. The remote ISL unit can identify the bus cycle type by thestate of four control signals that accompany a RMTSTR+ signal. There isone control signal for each bus cycle type (i.e., memory request, memoryresponse, retry request, and retry response). The remote ISL unit usesthe RMTSTR+ signal to strobe the four control signals into the prioritynetwork of its control logic, and acknowledges the receipt ofinformation by sending a transfer done bus signal (XFRDUN+) to the localISL unit. When the local ISL unit receives the XFRDUN+ signal, thetransfer cycle is completed.

The generate memory request (GENMRQ-) signal when true indicates thatthe local ISL unit has completed a local memory request cycle, and isrequesting the remote ISL unit to perform a remote memory request cycle.The generate memory response (GENMRS-) signal when true indicates thatthe local ISL unit completed a local memory response cycle, and isrequesting the remote ISL unit to perform a remote memory responsecycle. The generate retry request (GENRRQ-) signal when true indicatesthat the local ISL unit completed a local retry request cycle, and isrequesting the remote ISL unit to perform a remote retry request cycle.A generate retry response (GENRRS-) signal when true indicates that thelocal ISL unit completed a local retry response cycle, and is requestingthe remote ISL unit to perform a remote retry response cycle. A retryresponse (RMRESP-) signal when true indicates that a remote ISL unitreceived a response during a remote retry request cycle. The RMRESP-signal is used by the local ISL unit to strobe two remote communicationbus response lines, ACK and NAK, and to initiate a bus compare cycle.The remote bus acknowledge (RMACKR+) signal when true indicates that theremote twin received an acknowledge (ACK) response from the remotecommunication bus. This signal is used during retry request cycles,wherein the slave unit response must be obtained prior to issuing aresponse to a master unit. A remote bus negative acknowledge (RMNAKR+)signal when true indicates that the remote ISL unit received a negativeacknowledge (NAK) response from the remote communication bus. TheRMNAKR+ signal is used during retry request cycles, wherein a slave unitresponse must be obtained prior to issuing a response to a master unit.An answer acknowledged (ANSWAK+) signal when true indicates that a localISL unit has transferred an acknowledge (ACK) response while completinga local retry request cycle. The ANSWAK+ signal is used by the remoteISL unit as a timing signal when handling the associated retry responsecycle.

A translate channel number (XLATOR+) signal when true indicates that thelocal ISL unit detected a CPU channel number on the local communicationbus. On receipt of the XLATOR+ signal, the remote ISL unit performs aCPU channel number translation on bits 6 through 9 of the communicationbus. The XLATOR+ signal is used when an ISL unit is transferringCPU-to-CPU interrupts, or processing either an output interrupt controlcommand or an input interrupt control command.

A remote function (RMTFUN+) signal when true indicates that a local ISLunit has received an ISL command that was addressed to a remote ISLunit.

An ISL clear (MYMCLR-) signal when true indicates that the local ISLunit is preforming a clear sequence. A twin connected (TWINCN-) signalwhen true indicates that the remote ISL unit is properly connected. Anaddress parity error (LCAPER+) signal when true indicates that the localISL unit has detected a communication bus address parity error. Onreceipt of this signal, the remote ISL unit generates incorrect addressparity during a remote communication bus transfer. In this manner, theerror may be passed onto the eventual destination before being reported.

A data parity error (LCDPER+) signal when true indicates that the localISL unit detected a communication bus data parity error or a bus rederror. On receipt of the LDCPER+ signal, the remote ISL unit generatesincorrect data parity and a bus red error during a remote communicationbus transfer. In this manner, an error is transferred to the eventualdestination before the error is reported.

A non-existent memory (NOXMEM-) signal when true indicates that a remoteISL unit has received a negative acknowledge (NAK) response from memoryon one of its nonlocked memory write requests. On receipt of the NOXMEM-signal, the local ISL unit shall attempt to generate a non-existentresource interrupt. A remote watchdog time-out (WTIMOT+) signal whentrue indicates that the remote watchdog timer has timed out. On receiptof the WTIMOT+ signal, the local ISL unit shall attempt to generate awatchdog time-out interrupt. A remote dead man time-out (RMTOUT-) signalwhen true indicates that the remote ISL unit has received no response,i.e. neither an ACK, NAK or WAIT response.

The transfer of information between ISL units forms a local/remoterelationship. The ISL unit that is transmitting information isdesignated the local ISL unit, and the ISL unit that is receiving theinformation is designated the remote ISL unit. All information transfersbetween ISL units are from local to remote, and each transfer isreferred to as a transfer cycle.

This local/remote relationship is similar to the master/slaverelationship on the communication busses. When a master unit requests abus cycle on a bus, the ISL unit which intercepts the cycle becomes alocal ISL unit.

In other types of bus cycle requests, a slave unit must respond witheither an ACK, a NAK, or a WAIT response, with a significant probabilityof that any one of the three responses may occur. In such cases, an ISLunit cannot give a meaningful response to a master unit until thedestination slave unit responds. The following types of bus cyclerequests apply: I/O output requests; I/O input requests; memory readrequest test and set lock signals; and interrupts.

In the case where one of these types of bus cycle requests is receivedat a local ISL unit, the ISL unit responds with a WAIT. The master uniton the local bus then may proceed to reinitiate the bus cycle requestuntil a non-WAIT response is received. While the master unit is thusoccupied, the remote ISL unit addresses a slave unit to obtain either anACK or a NAK response. On the next bus cycle request from the masterunit, the local ISL shall supply the slave unit response. The ISL unitthat addresses a slave unit on a remote bus becomes a remote ISL unit.When the communication reuires a response, however, a previous slaveunit becomes a master unit. Further, a previous remote ISL unit becomesa local ISL unit.

There are three basic cycles that are generated in an ISL unit: local,remote, and transfer. A local cycle generally is entered to act uponinformation in address file register 103 and data file register 92. Alocal cycle may also be entered when no remote cycles or fileinformation cycles are pending, but an ISL interrupt, a memory timeoutor an I/O time-out are pending. Local cycles also occur during a masterclear sequence to increment the RAM counter 118 from a count of zero toa count of 1024, and to initialize all RAM locations in the ISL unit.When an ISL unit enters a local cycle to process address file and datafile information, no transfer cycle can be in progress.

A remote cycle is entered into by a remote ISL unit to receiveinformation from a local ISL unit. If local and remote cycle requestsare received simultaneously, the local cycle request is honored first.Remote cycles may occur in response to any of four remote ISL commands:generate memory request command, generate memory response command,generate retry request command, or generate retry response command. Toenter a remote cycle, an ISL unit must not be in either a local cycle ora bus compare cycle.

A transfer cycle is entered to transfer information from a local ISLunit to a remote ISL unit. A local ISL unit transferring data to aremote ISL unit generates a transfer cycle, and causes a correspondingremote cycle to occur. The transfer cycle is terminated by the local ISLunit upon detection of a remote cycle in the remote ISL unit.

In generating the above-described cycles, an ISL unit may be in one ofthree major logic states. More particularly, a CPU command may load themode control register 135 with bit patterns to place an ISL unit in oneof three major logic states: clear, stop and on-line. Transitionsbetween states occur in response to an I/O output control command or apower-on sequence. The I/O commands may be initiated from either thelocal or the remote communication busses.

The clear state is transitory. It is entered when an I/O output controlrequests an ISL unit initialization, or when a power-on sequence isinitiated. In the clear state, a lower CPU may reset the local ISL unitby setting each translation memory cell of RAM 125 to a logic one level,and by clearing all other register and RAM locations. As a result, theISL configuration information is removed from RAMs 113, 125, 131 and142. The ISL unit, therefore, does not respond to any bus cycle exceptthose directed to an ISL channel number.

An ISL unit enters a stop state either automatically from the clearstate, or in response to an I/O output control command that requests theISL unit to enter a stop state. When the stop state is entered from anon-line state, the ISL unit retains all configuration information in theRAMs 113, 125, 131 and 142 that existed prior to the stop state. Whilein the stop state, the ISL unit does not respond to any bus cyclesexcept those that are directed to the ISL unit's channel number. It isonly during a stop state that the ISL unit accepts I/O commands tochange the configuration information.

The on-line state is entered in response to an I/O output controlcommand specifically requesting the ISL unit to enter the data transfermode. In the on-line state, the ISL unit responds to bus cycles directedto the ISL channel number provided that they are not configurationcontrol commands, and to bus cycles directed to locations in RAM 142having a logic one bit referred to as a channel hit bit, and tolocations in RAM 125 having a logic one bit referred to as a memory hitbit. The ISL unit can be configured, however, to operate in a specialtest mode. The test mode relates to bus responses occurring during atest and verification to be further described.

An ISL unit further may be placed in one of five logic control modesindicated by an I/O output command word. The control modes include theclear mode, the stop mode, the resume mode, the wraparound mode, and theNAK retry mode.

The clear mode as indicated by the control mode register 135 occurs whenany one of the following conditions exist: (1) a master clear functionis activated during the application of power to the ISL unit; (2) apower failure occurs; (3) an initialize bit (data bit line zero ofbusses 90 or 116) is enabled in an output control command; or (4) amaster clear function is activated when a master clear pushbutton isdepressed on an operator control panel.

The occurrence of any of the first three conditions results in theinitialization of all configuration data in the ISL unit.

When a bus master clear function is activated, the ISL unit remains in acurrent logic state, and the ISL configuration remains unchanged. Amaster clear sequence is initiated simultaneously in both the local andremote ISL units. The sequence continues until the ISL registersincluding interrupt channel register 132, the interrupt level register134 and the mode control register 135 are cleared. The interrupt levelof the ISL unit thereby is set to zero. Local retry cycles are generatedduring the master clear sequence, and the RAM counter 118 is incrementedto a count of 1,024 (CNTR1K). When the CNTR1K signal is valid, it causesthe master clear sequence to terminate. All RAM locations of the ISLunit thereupon are initialized, and the ISL unit thereafter respondsonly to bus traffic that is directed to its unique ISL channel number.

When in the stop mode, an ISL unit responds only to bus cycles that aredirected to its own channel number. Any instruction that tries tocommunicate through the ISL unit is ignored, and results in a time-outas shall be further described. Any memory or I/O read cycles that areaccepted before entering a stop mode are completed prior to entering thestop mode.

In the resume mode, the ISL unit returns to the on-line state. The ISLunit responds to bus cycles directed to its ISL channel number providedthat they are not configuration control commands. In addition, the ISLunit is responsive to the occurrence of hit bits at the outputs of RAMs125 and 142.

The relationship between the logic states and the logic control modeswhich an ISL unit may assume are illlustrated in FIG. 12. The threelogic states which an ISL unit may assume are the on-line state 150, thestop state 151, and the clear state 152. If an ISL unit is in theon-line state, and receives an I/O output control word command to entera resume logic control mode, the on-line state is re-entered asindicated by logic control loop 153. If the logic decision flow is totransition from the on-line state 150 to the stop state 151, the ISLunit must enter a stop logic control mode to effect such a transition.

Upon receiving an I/O output control word commanding the ISL unit toenter a stop logic control mode while in the stop state, the stop stateis re-entered as illustrated by the logic control loop 154. If the ISLunit is to transition from the stop state 151 to the clear state 152,the ISL unit must enter the clear logic control mode to effect thattransition. The clear state 152 is a temporary as indicated by dottedlines in FIG. 12. Upon entering the clear state, the ISL unitautomatically transitions to the stop state 151 as indicated by thedotted logic path 155. The clear state also may be entered from theon-line state 150 by means of a clear logic control mode, and inresponse to a power-on or a power-off action. If a power-off conditionoccurs while the ISL unit is in the on-line logic state, the ISL unitshall remain in the on-line state for approximately 1.50 miliseconds toallow a notification of status between communication busses.

Whan an I/O output control word command is stored in the mode controlregister 135 of FIG. 8, the output of the register signals to thecontrol logic the type of ISL response which is required. When bit zerois at a logic one level, a master clear control mode is entered. Whenbit one is at a logic one, however, a resume logic control mode isentered. A stop logic control mode is entered when bit one is at a logiczero level. Bits two and three of the register 135 control thewraparound logic control mode, and bit four controls the NAK retry logiccontrol mode. More particularly, the ISL unit issues a NAK respose whenbit four is at a logic one level, and a WAIT response when bit four isat a logic zero level.

It is to be understood that neither the wraparound nor the NAK retrylogic control modes are shown in the state diagram as they have noeffect on the ISL logic states. The wraparound logic control mode is atest condition during which the local and remote ISL units, and theintra-ISL interface logic is tested. The NAK retry logic control modeallows a NAK response to be sent to a device that has requested serviceduring an ISL busy condition. This control mode is used to temporarilyremove a device of higher priority from a communication bus while theISL responds to a CPU.

The operation of the ISL unit of FIG. 8 shall now be described. Inoperation, information is received from the local communication bus byway of transceivers 90 and 98, and stored in registers 92 and 103. Theregisters 92 and 103 together provide four forty-bit storage locations(zero-three) for identifying the type of information transfer whichshall occur. A memory response (MRS) is assigned the highest prioritylocation, location three. The next highest priority is accorded tolocation two in which a memory request (MRQ) is stored. A retry response(RRS) is stored in location one and retry request (RRQ) is stored inlocation zero.

There are two distinctly different logic decision paths taken by an ISLunit in handling bus cycle requests. In one, the ISL unit responds to abus cycle request without first interrogating a remote bus. In thesecond, the actual response of the destination unit must be obtained byan ISL unit before a response may be made to a bus cycle request. Foreach bus cycle request, there are three possible responses, an ACK, NAKor WAIT.

The ISL responds to the following types of bus cycle requests with anACK response if the file location is not full, or with a WAIT responseif the file location is full. The ISL unit never responds to such buscycle requests with a NAK response: memory read request, memory writerequest; memory read response; memory read request and reset lock;memory write request and reset lock; and I/O input response.

It is important that the ISL unit respond to bus cycle requests, andfree the bus to avoid an unnecessary decrease in bus cycle speeds. If anISL unit accepts a memory request cycle and receives a NAK response onthe remote bus, therefore, the ISL unit must initiate a non-existentresource interruption on the local bus for a write cycle, or generate asecond-half bus cycle with bad parity for a read request using a memoryhang-up timer as shall be further described.

A local MRQ cycle occurs in response to an activity bit being set in thefile registers 92 and 103 at the time local bus information is stored.The memory request is generated to accommodate reads or writes in remotememory. In the case of a read, location two of registers 92 and 103remain filled and are not reset until a response is received from remotememory. The response in the form of MRS data is loaded into the locationthree of remote ISL registers corresponding to registers 92 and 103 ofFIG. 8. The remote ISL unit thereafter contends for an ISL cycle totransfer the MRS data to the receivers 104 and 116. The MRS data therebyis applied by way of busses 105 and 117 to transceivers 123 and 141leading to the local communication bus. MRS address information isobtained from data file register 92 during a remote MRS cycle in thelocal ISL unit. Upon completing the transfer of data from the remotecommunication bus through the ISL unit of FIG. 8, a new request may bereceived from the local communication bus.

It is understood that there are four communication bus cycles involvedin a read operation between communication busses linked by ISL unitpairs. By way of contrast, a read operation on a single communicationbus would involve only two bus cycles. Each local bus cycle presented toan ISL unit must be duplicated on a remote bus. The number of cyclesrequired for an information transfer between communication busses thusis doubled over that required for single bus information flow.

Two further information transfers, the RRQ and RRS shall be described.The RRQ (retry request) is never acknowledged with an ACK signalinitially. A WAIT must initially be issued until a response is receivedfrom a device on the remote bus. An RRQ transaction occurs, for example,when a memory location must be sensed to determine if it is being used.If not, the data in the memory location may be modified or replaced.Once an RRQ request is made, a full bit is set in location zero ofregisters 92 and 103 to indicate a busy condition. A local ISL cyclethereupon is generated, and is followed by a remote ISL cycle and aremote communication bus cycle as before described. When a response suchas an ACK, NAK or WAIT is received from the remote bus, the response anda remote response control signal (RMRESP) are forwarded to the local ISLunit. It is to be understood that a WAIT response is indicated by theabsence of an ACK or NAK response.

As before described, when an ISL unit receives a bus cycle request,selective bus control signals are interrogated to define which of fourlocations in file registers 92 and 103 are used in capturing the binarycoded information on the bus. Each of the four locations has associatedtherewith a location busy bit referred to as a full bit. The full bit isset true when an associated location is loaded and designated to beacted upon by the ISL unit. Such designation occurs in association withthe generation of hit bits by RAMs 125 and 142 of FIG. 8. The full bitinhibits further information from being loaded only into the associatedlocation. The other three locations of registers 92 and 103 may beloaded if an associated full bit is not set. A full bit is resetwhenever the contents of the associated location are no longer neededfor internal ISL use. By way of example, the memory request locationfull bit shall be reset when the ISL interface output devices 115 and139 are loaded during a local MRQ memory request cycle of a memory writeoperation. In the case of a memory read operation, however, the full bitis not reset until the remote memory response cycle (MRSCYR) occurs.

Also associated with each location of registers 92 and 103 is a localactivity bit referred to as a "2DO" bit which drives the cycle generator146. More particularly, the cycle generator is driven by the activitybits of the local ISL unit (FIL2DO-), and a remote activity bit(RMT2DO-). When a local cycle is generated, the associated activity bitis reset.

Upon the occurrence of an idle state in the local ISL unit and bus cyclerequest on the local bus, a bus compare cycle is initiated in the localISL unit. The bus comparator 93 compares the entire 40 bits of locationzero of the file registers 92 and 103 with the information received fromthe local bus transceivers 90 and 98. If an equivalence occurs, the ACK,NAK or WAIT response received from the remote bus is forwarded to therequesting device on the local communication bus.

It is thus apparent that whenever a device on the local bus requests abus cycle on the remote bus, that device is issued a WAIT by the localISL unit until a response is received from the remote bus. If theresponse is an ACK or a NAK, the local device shall not continue toretry. As long as the response is a WAIT, however, the local deviceshall continue to cause RRQ signals to be generated. CPUs cause an RRQsignal to be generated in an ISL unit when I/O commands or a memory testand set instruction is issued. PCUs may cause RRQ signals to begenerated when an interrupt command is issued to a CPU on a remote bus.

If a WRITE operation is requested, the full but in the registers 92 and103 is reset when the information stored in file registers 92 and 103 isloaded into drivers 115 and 139. Further communication requeststhereafter may be made from the local bus. If a read operation isrequested, however, the CPU enters into a WAIT state until data isreceived from the remote bus. The full bit of registers 92 and 103,therefore, remains set until data is received from the remote bus.

In a multiple CPU environment, the bus comparator 93 may indicate anon-equivalence in the event a high priority CPU on a local bus attemptsto access a local ISL unit that has previously stored information from alower priority CPU into the file registers 92 and 103. In order to avoida CPU deadlock, NAK retry logic to be further discussed is activated bythe lower priority CPU to issue a NAK signal to the higher priority CPU.

It is to be understood that the structure of the ISL unit illustrated inFIG. 8 provides plural communication paths between the local and remotecommunication busses. More particularly, the local ISL unit may havefour information transfer transactions queued in the registers 92 and103--RRQ, RRS, MRQ and MRS. One of the transactions may be active duringa local ISL cycle while the other three are pending. During this period,only selected control signals from the remote ISL unit are received.Other information supplied by the remote ISL unit to receivers 104 and116 is inhibited. Upon completion of the local and other pending cycles,the local ISL unit shall enter into a remote cycle during which theinformation at receivers 104 and 116 is passed along tri-state busses105 and 117 respectively to transceivers 123 and 141. A typicaloperation of the local ISL unit thus may proceed in the followingmanner. The local communication bus may generate a BSDCNN to the localISL unit to load the file registers 92 and 103. The remote ISL unitthereafter may supply information to receivers 104 and 116. Since alocal cycle takes priority over a remote cycle operation, theinformation in registers 92 and 103 first is applied along tri-statebusses 105 and 117, respectively, to the remote ISL unit by way ofinterface output drivers 115 and 139. The logic level of the tri-statebusses 105 and 117 thereafter is changed to apply the outputs ofreceivers 104 and 116 respectively to transceivers 123 and 141 leadingto the local communication bus.

The four types of transactions, the priority levels assigned to thetransactions and the Isl cycles, and the ISL architecture act in concertto provide ISL information transfers without substantially affecting thecommunication bus rate. In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, abus cycle period is approximately 175-300 nanoseconds. Within thisapproximated range, no adverse effect to the information flow on thecommunication busses has been detected.

A more detailed explanation of the data flow between the local andremote communication busses now shall be provided in light of theforegoing overview. The ISL units operate in two modes, an informationtransfer mode and an ISL configuration mode.

In the information transfer mode, an initial BSDCNN from the localcommunication bus is received by transceivers 90 and 98 of FIG. 8, andthereafter respectively loaded into registers 92 and 103 if theregisters are found to be empty. If a memory request (MRQ) is to becomeactive during a local ISL cycle, local bus information is written intolocation two of the registers 92 and 103. If the full bit of theregisters is not at a logic one, the location two shall beunconditionally loaded with the information whether the local ISL unitis available as an agent for that cycle or not. During the time datainformation is written into the registers 92 and 103, the transceivers90 and 98 address the memory address translation RAM 125 by way ofmultiplexer 100. If a hit bit, to be further explained, is present atthe addressed location, an MRQ is initiated. In addition, the memoryaddress data in the addressed location of RAM 125 is loaded into memoryreference 126. When the local ISL unit undergoes a local cycle,therefore, a memory address is available.

Memory translation occurs at bits 0-9 of the RAM 125 output. The bits0-9 represent up to 1,024 8.0 K modules of memory, while the bits 10-23represent one 8.0 K module. There are, therefore, a total of 8.0megabytes of memory that may be addressed by way of the communicationbusses. The RAM 125 provides a means for translating any one of the1,024 8.0 K modules addressed during a memory request cycle. Thetranslation accommodates communication between devices on separatecommunication busses, wherein like memory devices may have the sameaddress assignments.

Each ISL unit contains a 1,024 bit channel number RAM such as channelmask RAM 142. Each bit of the RAM is called a hit bit, and representsone channel number. More particularly, the channel number hit bitsrepresent those channels that do not actually exist on the local bus,but which require the ISL unit to respond. The ISL unit accepts anynon-memory reference whose channel number corresponds to a channelnumber hit bit at a logic one level.

Upon completing the loading of location two of data file register 92 andaddress file register 103, a memory request full bit is set if each ofthree events occur: a memory hit bit is issued by the memory addresstranslation RAM 125, the memory reference signal received from the localbus is true, and the bus lock signal from the local bus is false. Thefull bit in turn causes an activity "2DO" bit to be set, thereby drivinga cycle generator 146 and initiating a local MRQ cycle.

During the time period the drivers 115 are being loaded from registers103 and 126, a 16-bit data word in the data file register 92 is appliedthrough the data file transmitter register 121 and along the bus 117 tothe I1 input of data multiplexer 129. The output of multiplexer 129 isselected to the I1 input, and applied to the ISL output drivers 139.Drivers 115 and 139 comprise the local ISL half of the ISL interfaceunit 62a of FIG. 5 as suggested by the dotted lines. The remaining halfof the interface unit 62a resides in the remote ISL unit 64.

Upon completion of the local cycle, the logic control system issues astrobe to enable the drivers 115 and 139, and thereby initiate atransfer cycle to forward the information from the local communicationbus to the remote ISL unit.

In the event that the remote ISL unit initiates a memory request (MRQ),the local ISL unit of FIG. 8 enters into a remote cycle wherein addressand data information from the remote communication bus are applied byway of receivers 104 and 116, respectively, to tri-state busses 105 and117. When the local ISL unit enters the remote cycle, the local ISLlogic control system signals the completion of the transfer cycle to theremote ISL unit. The interface between the ISL units thereafter is freeto accommodate further information transfers.

Bits 0-23 of bus 105 are applied through the I2 input of multiplexerregister 111 to the transceivers 123. The 16-bit data word on bus 117 isapplied to the I1 input of the data multiplexer 129, the output of whichis applied through the data multiplexer register 138 to the transceivers141. When the logic control system issues a strobe to enable thetransceivers 123 and 141, information from the remote communication busis applied to the local communication bus to complete the remote cycle.The preceding explanation has described the operation of an ISL unitunder both local and remote cycles in response to a memory request.

If an RRQ (retry request) is received by the local ISL unit from thelocal bus, information from the local communication bus is appliedthrough the transceivers 90 and 98 respectively to busses 91 and 96. Theinformation is loaded into registers 92 and 103 as before described.Bits 8-17 of the address information, which identify a slave device (adevice being accessed) on the remote communication bus, are applied frombus 96 to the I1 input of channel address register 101. In responsethereto, the register 101 addresses the channel mask RAM 142. If a logicone bit is present at the addressed location, the output of the RAMtransitions to a logic one level thereby identifying the local ISL unitas the agent for the request issued by the master device. The controllogic senses the RAM 142 output, and in response thereto sets the RRQfull bit in registers 92 and 103. No further information thereafter maybe loaded into the registers until a response is received from theremote communication bus. The control logic further issues commandstrobes as before described to route the address information stored inthe address file register 103 along busses 105 and 147 to the I2 inputof drivers 115. The sixteen data bits from the data file register 92 arerouted through the transmitter register 121 and along bus 117 to the I1input of multiplexer 129. The register 92, however, may or may notcontain valid data. If the master device issued an output or writecommand, data would be transferred to an addressed device on the remotecommunication bus. If a read command were issued, however, the onlyinformation which needs to be transferred to the remote ISL unit is theaddress of the master device. No data need be transferred.

If a read command were received from the local communication bus, theaddress of the master device on the local bus would be stored in thedata file register 92. In addition, the read command would betransferred to the control logic of the remote ISL unit as shall befurther explained in connection with the description of FIGS. 14. Thecontrol logic of the remote ISL unit would sense the read command, andin response thereto issue the address of the remote ISL unit byactivating a hex rotary switch corresponding to switch 140. The ISLaddress thereupon would be applied through a data multiplexer analogousto multiplexer 138, and through remote transceivers analogous totransceivers 141 to the remote communication bus during the remote retryrequest cycle. Upon receipt of a response from the remote communicationbus at remote transceivers analogous to transceivers 90 and 98 during asecond-half bus cycle, the address information received by the remotetransceivers would be compared to the remote ISL address code by an ISLaddress comparator such as comparator 99. If an equivalence occurred,the comparator would signal the remote control logic. Activity 2DO bitsof location one of the remote address and data file registers thereuponwould be set by the remote control logic to initiate a retry response(RRS) cycle in the remote ISL unit. Data from the remote file registersthereupon would be transferred to remote ISL interface output drivers.Upon the initiation of a transfer cycle in the remote ISL unit, the datawould be forwarded from the drivers to the receivers 104 and 116 of thelocal ISL unit. In response to the transfer cycle, the local ISL unitenters into an RRS retry response cycle to forward data from receivers116 to the transceivers 141 leading to the local bus. More particularly,data received from the remote IsL unit by way of receivers 116 isapplied by way of bus 117 through the I1 input of multiplexer 129 to theI3 input of multiplexer 138. The output of multiplexer 138 in turn isapplied through transceivers 141 to the local communication bus. Tocomplete the read operation, the master device address stored in thedata file register 92 is applied through the multiplexer 111 to thetransceivers 123 leading to the local bus.

The transfer of information through the ISL units shall now be describedin connection with specific I/O commands passed through the ISL units.The format of such commands are not significant to the ISL units sincethey are peculiar to a device on a remote communication bus. They merelyappear as data to the ISL units, and are passed through the ISL units toa communication bus. If an output I/O command were transferred by thelocal ISL unit to the remote ISL unit, an ACK received from the remoteISL unit in response to the I/O command would cause the full bit inregisters 92 and 103 to transition to a logic zero. Another informationtransfer from the local communication bus thereby is accommodated. Inthe case of a read command from the local ISL unit, however, the fullbit would remain at a logic one level unit data was received from theremote ISL unit. Further, the data from the remote bus is not allowed toflow back to the local ISL unit until an ACK from the addressed deviceon the remote bus is transferred to the master device on the local bus.

Since the local ISL unit must enter an idle state before a bus comparecycle may be executed, it is conceivable that the requested data fromthe remote bus could be received before an idle cycle occurs. Since theremote control logic assures that data shall not be transferred from theremote ISL unit to the local ISL unit until an ACK response to a requesthas occurred, data from the remote bus is stored in the remote data fileand address file register until after the appropriate acknowledgementresponse is made.

When the requested data from the remote ISL unit is forwarded to thelocal ISL unit, the full bit in the registers 92 and 103 transitions toa logic zero to free the RRQ path for further information traffic.

When an input I/O command is passed through the remote and local ISLunits to the local communication bus, the local ISL unit applies the IsLchannel address set in the hex rotary switch 140 through the multiplexer138 and the transceivers 141 to the local communication bus. The localbus in response thereto generates a bus second-half bus cycle (BSSHBC)signal and a device address. The BSSHBC signal is received bytransceiver 90 and the device address is received by transceiver 98. Thedevice address is compared with the local ISL unit identification codeby the comparator 99. If an equivalence occurs, the comparator 99signals the local control logic. The control logic thereupon generatesan ACK to the local communication bus. It is to be understood that allsecondhalf bus cycles are ACKed and not WAITed or NAKed. Data from thelocal bus thereafter is immediately stored into the data file andaddress file registers 92 and 103. A local RRS cycle thereafter isqueued by the local control logic, and upon the initiation of the cyclethe information stored in the data file register 92 is routed throughthe data file transmitter register 121 and along tri-state bus 117 tothe I1 inpput of the internal data multiplexer 129. The output of themultiplexer is applied to the ISL interface drivers 139. During atransfer cycle, the information at transceivers 115 and 139 is appliedto receivers of the remote ISL unit. When information is received atreceiver 116 from the remote ISL unit in response to a request from adevice on the local communication bus, the address of the local busdevice stored in data file registers 92 is applied through the I1 inputof multiplexer 111 and the I2 input of transceivers 123 to the localbus. The data from the remote ISL unit is applied along tri-state bus117 and through the I1 input of multiplexer 129 and the I3 input ofmultiplexer 138 to transceivers 141.

The memory test and set instructions of the information transfer modeare memory requests which use the internal ISL retry path to test aremote memory before responding to a local master. The associated datapaths are identical to those of a local MRQ cycle, except that addressinformation is retrieved from the memory reference register 126. Theremaining bits 10-23 are received from the address file register 103 byway of bus 105 at the I2 input of transceivers 115. Bit 23 is the memoryaddress translation bit for the test and set instruction. It is to beunderstood that the I2 and I3 inputs to the transceivers 115 aremultiplexed. Thus, in the local ISL cycle, the address information isforwarded from memory reference register 126 and file register 103 tooutput drivers 115. Data from the data file register 92 is appliedthrough data file transmitter 121, to data multiplexer 129 to the outputdrivers 139. No translation takes place in the remote ISL unit. Theremaining ISL operations in a test and set instruction are the same asfor a standard I/O cycle.

Before discussing the passing of communication bus interrupts throughthe ISL units, a more detailed discussion of CPU channel numbertranslation is required. In addition to the channel number recognitionfunction, an ISL unit performs a channel number translation of any CPUchannel number within the range 000₁₆ through 00F₁₆. In the CPUarchitecture, the CPU channel number determines the location of thededicated memory on a bus. Channel 0 uses locations 0 through 255,channel 1 uses locations 256 through 511, etc. Normally, the lowestpriority CPU on a bus is assigned to channel 0, and the next highestpriority CPU on a bus is assigned to channel 1. When like channel numberassignments occur on more than one bus, the CPU channel numbers must betranslated to avoid conflicts.

Referring to FIG. 13, the channel number recognition and translationinformation flow is illustrated for two cases. One wherein a bus cyclerequest is initiated by a local communication bus, and a second whereina local response to a remote bus cycle request occurs. In the firstcase, a destination channel number is applied by way of the address bus96 in accordance with the format indicated at 156 to the channel numbermask RAM 142, and the CPU destination translation RAM 131. The channelmask RAM 142 contains hit bits for indicating whether a local ISL unitshall accept a particular channel number. A single channel numbertranslation table is stored in two 16×4 bit RAMs, one in the local ISLunit and one in the remote ISL unit. The RAM located in the local ISLunit is referred to as the CPU destination channel number translationRAM, i.e. RAM 131. The RAM located in the remote ISL unit is referred toas the CPU source channel number translation RAM, i.e. RAM 113.

In the second case wherein a local response to a remote bus cyclerequest is made, a source channel number is applied by way of local databus 91 and bus 117 of the remote ISL to the CPU source channeltranslation RAM 113 of the remote ISL unit.

Each ISL unit also includes a channel number selector. Referring to FIG.13, the local ISL unit includes a channel selector 157 (corresponding todrivers 115 of FIG. 8) and the remote ISL unit includes a channelselector 158 (corresponding to multiplexer 137 of FIG. 8). Either thenon-translated channel number for non-CPU channel numbers, or thetranslated channel number for CPU channel numbers is selected. Thetranslated channel number is selected whenever one of the followingthree conditions occur: (1) The CPU channel numbers on the address busare translated by the destination translation table; (2) the CPU channelnumbers that are on the data bus during interrupts CPU to CPU aretranslated by the source translation table; and (3) the CPU channelnumbers that are on the data bus as part of an Output Interrupt ControlCommand are translated by the source translation table, except whendirected to the ISL. The formats of the destination and the sourcechannel number information applied by the remote ISL unit to the remotecommunication bus are illustrated at 159 and 160, respectively.

There are four conditions under which a CPU translation occurs. In thefirst, a local communication bus device may attempt to interrupt a CPUon a remote communication bus. The local ISL unit thereupon shallinitiate a local RRQ retry request cycle upon detecting a hit bit in theaddressed cell of the channel mask RAM 142 if the location zero of fileregisters 92 and 103 is empty. The ISL interface output drivers 139 areloaded from the internal data multiplexer 129, the I1 input of whichreceives data from the data file transmitter register 121. Bits 0-13 and18-23 of the ISL interface output drivers 115 are loaded from theaddress file register 103, while bits 14-17 are loaded from the CPUdestination RAM 131. The RAM 131 in turn is addressed by the CPU addressregister 114 receiving the bits 14-17 output of file registers 103.

A second condition occurs when an I/O command to a remote communicationbus device is comprised of a function code of 03. Such a function codeidentifies an output interrupt control instruction.

During a remote RRQ cycle, bits 6-9 of bus 117 are applied throughregister 136 to address RAM 113. The output of the RAM is appliedthrough data multiplexer 137, multiplexer register 138 and transceivers141 to the local bus. The RAM 113 output thus replaces the data bitsrepresenting a CPU channel address within the interrupt controlinformation to be applied to a device on the remote communication bus.

In the third condition, the information flow is identical to that ofcondition two, except that the CPU source translation RAM 113 representsthe source CPU channel address in the data field of a local CPU toremote CPU interrupt. The data field in the interrupt command containsthe address of the source of the interrupt and interrupt levelinformation.

The fourth condition occurs in the event an I/O command to a remotecommunication bus device is found to have a function code of 02, whichidentifies an input interrupt control command. During the local RRSretry response cycle in the remote ISL unit, which is generated inresponse to a second-half bus cycle from the addressed device on theremote communication bus, data bits 6-9 from data file transmitterregister 121 are applied through the CPU address register 114 to the CPUdestination RAM 131. The output of RAM 131 is loaded into bits 6-9 ofthe ISL interface drivers 139. Bits 6-9 represent the address of aremote CPU to be interrupted.

Referring again to the passing of I/O commands through the ISL units, itis to be understood that an interrupt is a cycle generated by a CPU or aPCU, and issued to a CPU. More particularly, during a BSDCNN cycle, theaddress information received from the local communication bus by way oftransceivers 98 is presented to the channel address register 101 toaddress one of a 1024 locations in the channel mask RAM 142. If theoutput of RAM 142 transistions to a logic one level, local ISL unit ofFIG. 8 becomes an agent for the BSDCNN cycle. More particularly, CPUaddress occur between hex 00 through 0F. When the output of RAM 142transitions to a logic one level and the high order six bits 0 through 5of the address information on bus 96 are zeros, the slave is a CPU.Since such an occurrence appears in a bus cycle other than a second-halfbus cycle, the cycle is an interrupt cycle. Thus, if the local ISL unitreceives the address of a CPU for which the ISL unit becomes an agent,the bus cycle must be an interrupt cycle. During an interrupt cycle, CPUaddresses are translatable.

When it is determined that the local ISL unit shall become an agent foran interrupt cycle, the control logic of the local ISL unit awaits anext RRQ cycle. Upon the local ISL unit entering into an RRQ cycle, theremote ISL unit receives a translated address and data from the localISL unit. The translated address is applied to the remote communicationbus to interrupt the addressed CPU. The CPU thereupon shall ACK or NAKthe interrupt. The ACK or NAK is sent directly back to the local ISLunit by way of the bus comparator 93 as before described. If the retrypath of the local ISL unit is busy servicing a previous command, aninterrupt cannot be processed. The ISL unit therefore shall NAK theinterrupt request, and thereafter generate a resume interrupt command tothe local bus when the previous command is fully serviced. The local busthereupon may again issue an interrupt request to the adjacent ISL unit.If the interrupt were not NAKed then the interrupt would preclude a CPUfrom acquiring further communication bus cycles. In the case of multipleCPUs, an ISL control command called NAK RETRY is provided to accommodatethe condition where a high priority CPU issues a request after a lowerpriority CPU acquired a bus cycle awaiting a response. The NAK RETRYresponse satisfies the higher priority CPU temporarily to allow thelower priority CPU to complete its task. A deadlock which may freeze-upthe ISL communication path between communication buses thereby isprevented.

There are two CPU I/O intructions by which a command CPU identifies to aPCU the address of a CPU to be interrupted and the priority level of theinterrupt. The two instructions are the output interrupt controlinstruction and the input interrupt control instruction. Such interruptcontrol information must be translated if the command CPU is on onecommunication bus and the PCU is on another communication bus. The CPUsource translation RAM 113 and the CPU destination RAM 131 accommodatesthe translation of interrupt control information. The translation dataflow paths are as previously described in connection with condition twoand condition four CPU translations.

To conclude the information transfer mode description of the ISL unit ofFIG. 3, the operation of the remaining functional devices used duringthe data transfer mode shall be described with the understanding thatthe same devices may have further functions during the ISL configurationmode. The function decoder PROM 102 decodes local communication buscommands to the Isl unit appearing at bits 18 through 23 of the addressinformation on bus 96. Such commands may be received during theinformation transfer and ISL configuration modes. During the informationtransfer mode, however, the bus commands may include the input status,the input ID code, the reset timers/interrupt mask, and the outputcontrol word commands. All of the bus commands are responded to in theISL configuration mode as shall be further described.

Table 5 is a decode table for the function decoder PROM 102.

The mode control register 135 is loaded during the execution of acontrol word command to be further described to indicate either aninformation transfer mode or an ISL configuration mode operation. Thetimer and status logic unit 133 includes a watchdog timer which isinternal to the ISL unit, an I/O time-out unit, an ISL bus cycletime-out unit, and a communication bus cycle time-out unit which isencountered only when an ISL unit is attached to a communication bushaving no CPUs. The timer units collectively enable the ISL unit to betransparent to the operation of the communication busses. The logic unit133 further is comprised of status bit generators indicating the ISLoperation mode, the clocks that are enabled, the presence of aninterrupt, the type of interrupt, etc.

The interrupt channel register 132 and the interrupt level register 134are loaded during an output interrupt control instruction to the ISLunit. The interrupt channel and level registers 132 and 134 are used bythe ISL unit during an interrupt generation.

    TABLE 5        BIT    BIT    BIT    BIT    BIT  WORD WORD POS.  WORD WORD POS.  WORD     WORD POS.  WORD WORD POS.  WORD WORD POS. NO. NO. OUTPUT  NO. NO. OUTPUT      NO. NO. OUTPUT  NO. NO. OUTPUT  NO. NO. OUTPUT DEC HEX 3 2 1 0 * DEC     HEX 3 2 1 0 * DEC HEX 3 2 1 0 * DEC HEX 3 2 1 0 * DEC HEX 3 2 1 0     *        φ φ   52 34   1φ3 67 1 1 1 1  154 9A   2φ5 CD     1 1   53 35   1φ4 68   155 9B   2φ6 CE 2 2   54 36   1φ5 69      156 9C   2φ7 CF 3 3   55 37   1φ6 6A   157 9D   2φ8 Dφ     4 4   56 38   1φ7 6B   158 9E   2φ9 D1 5 5   57 39   1φ8 6C      159 9F   21φ D2 6 6   58 3A   1φ9 6D   16φ Aφ   211 D3     7 7   59 3B   11φ 6E   161 A1   212 D4 8 8   6φ 3C   111 6F     162 A2   213 D5 9 9   61 3D   112 7φ   163 A3   214 D6 10 A   62 3E      113 71   164 A4   215 D7 11 B   63 3F   114 72   165 A5   216 D8 1 0 1     0 12 C   64 4φ   115 73   166 A6 1 1 1 0  217 D9 13 D   65 41 0 0 0     1  116 74   167 A7 1 1 1 1  218 DA 14 E   66 42 1 0 0 0  117 75   168 A8       219 DB 15 F   67 43 1 0 0 1  118 76   169 A9   22φ DC 16 1φ     68 44   119 77   17φ AA   221 DD 17 11   69 45   12φ 78   171 AB       222 DE 18 12   7φ 46   121 79   172 AA   223 DF 19 13   71 47     122 7A   173 AD   224 Eφ 2φ 14   72 48   123 7B   174 AE   225     E1 21 15   73 49   124 7C   175 AF   226 E2 22 16   74 4A   125 7D   176     Bφ    227 E3 23 17   75 4B 0 1 0 1  126 7E   177 C1   228 E4 24 18 1     0 1 0  76 4C   127 7F   178 C2   229 E5 25 19   77 4D   128 8φ   179     B3   23φ E6 1 1 1 0 26 1A   78 4E   129 81   18φ B4   231 E7 1 1     1 1 27 1B   79 4F   13φ 82   181 B5   232 E8 28 1C   8φ 5φ 1     1 0 0  131 83   182 B6   233 E9 29 1D   81 51 1 1 0 1  132 84   183 B7     234 EA 3φ 1E   82 52   133 85   184 B8   235 EB 31 1F   83 53   134     86   185 B9   236 EC 32 2φ   84 54   135 87   186 BA   237 ED 33 21      85 55   136 88   187 BB   238 EE 34 22   86 56   137 89   188 BC   239     EF 35 23   87 57   138 8A   189 BD   24φ Fφ 36 24   88 58 1 0 1     0  139 8B   19φ BE   241 F1 37 25   89 59   14φ 8C   191 BF     242 F2 38 26 1 1 1 0  9φ 5A   141 8D   192 Cφ   243 F3 39 27 1 1     1 1  91 5B   142 8E   193 C1 0 0 0 1  244 F4 40 28   92 5C   143 8F     194 C2   245 F5 41 29   93 5D   144 9φ   195 C3   246 F6 42 2A   94     5E   145 91   196 C4   247 F7 43 2B   95 5F   146 92   197 C5   248 F8     44 2C   96 6φ   147 93   198 C6   249 F9 45 2D   97 61   148 94     199 C7   25φ FA 46 2E   98 62   149 95   2φφ C8   251 FB 47     2F   99 63   15φ 96   2φ1 C9   252 FC 48 3φ   1φφ 64       151 97   2φ2 CA   253 FD 49 31   1φ1 65   152 98 1 0 1 0     2φ3 CB   254 FE 50 32   1φ2 66 1 1 1 0  153 99   2φ4 CC     255 FF 51 33

The interrupt channel register 132 is a four-bit register indicating theaddress of the CPU to be interrupted. The interrupt level register 134is six bits wide, and indicates the priority level assigned to theinterrupt. A CPU on a communication bus may sense the interrupt level tocontrol software operations internal to the CPU.

When a CPU is to be interrupted, the output of the interrupt channelregister 132 is applied to the I2 input of address multiplexer 112. Theoutput of multiplexer 112 is applied through multiplexer 111 andtransceivers 123 to provide the address of the CPU to be interrupted. Tothat end, bits 6 through 9 of the address bus are surplanted with fourbits from the interrupt channel register 134. The output of register 134is applied through the I2 input of data multiplexer 129 to bits 10-15 ofdata multiplexer/register 138. Bits 0-9 of multiplexer/register 138 aresupplied by hex rotary switch 140 to signal to an interrupted CPU thatthe ISL unit is the interrupting unit.

In response to a mask address instruction to be further described, theRAM counter 118 and RAM control register 108 are loaded with address andwrite enable nformation for each of the hit bit and translation RAMs. Anoutput mask data instruction loads translation data into translation RAMlocations addressed by the output mask address instructions.

The cycle generator 146 is comprised of decision control logic forselecting the cycle of operation, and generating timing signals forcontrolling the operation of the ISL unit during the selected cycle. Thecycle generator receives two inputs. The first is a remote cycle signalon line 143 leading from the remote ISL unit. The second input is thefile register activity 2DO bits carried by line 144 to indicate arequest for local ISL unit cycles. IN response to the two inputs, thecycle generator 146 provides timing signals for controlling theoperation of the ISL unit.

The I/O load (IOLD) register 127 is loaded with a translated memorymodule address when an I/O load command is issued to a controller. TheI/O load command is comprised of two subcommands, memory address andmemory range. The memory address portion of the I/O command requiresmemory translation. Thus, the translation bits from RAM 125 are loadedinto the IOLD register in response to an I/O command.

In further describing the operation of an ISL unit in response to anIOLD instruction, memory locations shall be described with reference tomemory module addresses. Module addresses are the translated bits of amemory address. For example, a local memory unit has 32.0 K bits ofmemory comprised of four modules each consisting of 8.0 K memorylocations. A local memory unit thus would be responsive to moduleaddresses 0, 1, 2 and 3. In the preferred embodiment described herein,both the local and the remote communication busses have memory unitswith four memory modules each. In addition, both the local and theremote ISL units are configured to provide visibility to eachcommunication bus. Thus, each bus would have access to eight memorymodules of memory.

When a CPU on a local communication bus instructs a peripheral controlunit (PCU) on a remote communication bus to communicate with a memorymodule on the remote bus, the local CPU shall issue an IOLD instructionto the remote PCU. The IOLD instruction shall designate a memory moduleaddress higher than that of any memory module available on the localbus. The local ISL unit thus shall respond to a RAM 142 channel hit bitcorresponding to the remote PCU, and shall use the address bits on bitlines 0-7 of the address bus 96 and bit lines 0 and 1 of the data bus 91to address the memory translation RAM 125. In the addressed location ofRAM 125, the translated memory module address of the remote PCU shall bestored. The translated address is transferred to the IOLD register 127for transfer during an RRQ cycle to the remote ISL unit. The remote PCUupon receiving the translated address shall directly access the remotememory module.

In the case where a local CPU instructs a remote PCU to communicate witha local memory module, the local CPU issues an IOLD instruction to thelocal ISL unit. The local ISL unit shall accept the instruction orcommand and shall use the twenty-four bit address on busses 91 and 96 toaddress the RAM 125. The output of the RAM is stored in the IOLDregister 127, and later issued to the remote PCU as before described.The remote PCU in turn shall address a memory module having an addresshigher than that of any memory module on the remote bus. The remote ISLunit shall be configured to translate the memory module address suppliedby the remote PCU to the memory module address on the local bus to whichthe remote PCU has been instructed to communicate. The only differencebetween an IOLD and a standard I/O command is the input path totranceivers 115. In an IOLD instruction, bits 0 through 9 are providedby register 127 rather than register 126.

IOLD instruction are accepted by an ISL unit whenever they address achannel number which is recognized by the channel mask RAM 142. The ISLunit performs a translation on the address portion of IOLD instruction.The format of the IOLD instruction is shown in Table 6. The translationapplies to the ten most significant bits of the address which arecontained in the bits 0 through 7 of the address bus 91 and bits 0 and 1of the data bus 96. The ten most signficant bits of the address portionof the IOLD instruction are replaced by the contents of the addressedlocation of the memory address translation RAM 125.

During the initialization of the ISL unit, the memory addresstranslation RAM 125 is loaded with all logic ones. The CPU software on acommunication bus need only load those specific RAM locations where IOLDinstructions are expected to be addressed. If an IOLD address fallsoutside of the specified locations, it will be translated to an addressbetween 8.0 million and 8.0 million minus 8.0 K words. As long as theaddressed memory is not used on a system containing an ISL unit, anyprogramming error will lead to a non-existent resource status from anI/O controller.

In configuring an ISL unit to handle IOLD instructions, two cases mustbe considered.

In the first case, a controller accesses a memory module on the remotebus in response to an IOLD instruction issued on the local bus whichreferences a memory module of the local bus. The address translationlocation in RAM 125 corresponding to the local memory module must beloaded with the most significant bits of the memory module of the remotebus. The controller thereafter shall seek the IOLD memory address on theremote bus.

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                        IOLD INSTRUCTION FORMAT                                                       ______________________________________                                        1. ADDRESS BUS                                                                 ##STR22##                                                                    2. DATA BUS                                                                    ##STR23##                                                                    3. ADDRESS BUS                                                                 ##STR24##                                                                    4. DATA BUS                                                                    ##STR25##                                                                    ______________________________________                                    

It is to be understood that a hit bit for the remote memory module inRAM 125 has no effect on the IOLD address translation. If there is alogic zero hit bit at the addressed location, the memory existsphysically on the local bus. If there is a logic one hit bit, the memorymodule is visible to a CPU on the local bus, but is physically locatedon the remote bus.

In the second case to be considered, a remote controller accesses amemory module on the local bus in response to an IOLD instruction on thelocal bus. Since the memory module is actually on the local bus, the RAM125 shall issue a logic zero hit bit. It is seen that in this case twoaddress translations are required. Once to transfer the IOLD instructionto the remote controller, and once to allow the remote controller toaccess local memory.

In the ISL configuration mode, the ISL unit responds to a total of nineI/O instructions or commands which transfer data to or from an ISL unit.The I/O commands are listed in Table 7. No data transfers between thecommunication busses occurs during the configuration mode. Rather, theISL units are loaded during the configuration mode to accomodatecommunication between the busses during the ISL information transfermode.

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                        BUS I/O COMMANDS TO ISL                                                                   FUNCTION                                                          TYPE        CODE        COMMAND                                               ______________________________________                                        I/O Output  01          Control Word                                                      03          Interrupt Control                                                 27          Reset Timers/Interrupt                                                        Mask                                                              0B          Output Mask Address                                               11          Output Mask Data                                      I/O INPUT   02          Interrupt Control                                                 10          Input Mask Data                                                   18          Status Word                                                       26          Device ID                                             ______________________________________                                    

Internal to the ISL unit is an active/passive state switch to be furtherdescribed in connection with the description of FIGS. 14. The switchcontrols the visibility of the ISL unit to configuration commands. Theeffect of the switch upon the ISL units acceptance of local and remotebus commands is shown in Table 8 and described below. In the activestate, the ISL unit responds to any configuration command receivedduring the ISL configuration mode. If in the passive state, the ISL unitwill respond to only selected configuration mode commands. Through theuse of the active/passive state switch, the local and remote ISL unitsmay be configurable from one bus or from independent busses.

It is to be understood that in the following discussion, cycles arereferred to as being local when generated from a communication bus. Whena cycle is generated from the intra-ISL interface, however, the cycle isreferred to as being remote. When a bus command is issued to an ISLunit, the ISL unit detects its address at address comparator 99 anddecodes a six-bit function code on bus 96 at PROM 102. The four-bitoutput of PROM 102 is held in an output register for internal use. TheISL address comparator 99 signal shall set the RRQ activity 2DO bit andfull bit, thus initiating a local RRQ cycle which is used to controldata flow for all ISL commands. The RRQ cycle will activate the functioncode decoder 106. When the PROM 102 output bits are applied by way ofaddress bus 105 to decoder 106, one of the 16 possible outut controllines are activated to indicate the specific command to be executed.

                                      TABLE 8                                     __________________________________________________________________________    ACTIVE/PASSIVE STATE SWITCH                                                   COMMAND                                                                              ACTIVE                                                                             PASSIVE                                                                             STANDBY                                                                             ONLINE                                                                              STOP                                                                              TEST                                                                              NAME                                    __________________________________________________________________________    01                                    Control Word                            03                                    Interrupt Control                       27                                    Reset Timers/Interrupt                                                        Mask                                    OB                                    Output Mask Address                     11                                    Output Mask Data                        02                                    Interrupt Control                       10                                    Input Mask Data                         18                                    Status Word                             26                                    Device ID                               __________________________________________________________________________

ISL commands cause either one, two or three internal ISL cycles tooccur. Local input or output commands will initiate a single RRQ cyclein which data is loaded into a specific register or read from a specificregister. Input commands will also result in a (BSSHBC) second-half buscycle being generated by the local ISL unit to a master CPU whichrequested data. Remote ISL output commands will result in two cycles.The first cycle is a local RRQ cycle during which data from the datafile register 92 is transferred to the remote ISL unit as in a standardRRQ cycle. In addition, information on bus 105 including function codesfrom PROM 102 and other function code specific information is presentedto the Isl drivers 115 for transfer to the remote ISL unit. The secondcycle occurs in the remote ISL unit as a remote RRQ cycle, during whichdata is stored in the same manner as information occurring on busses 105and 117 of the local ISL unit.

Remote ISL input commands require three cycles. The first cycle is thesame as with output commands. The second cycle is the same as that foroutput commands except that data is read from specific registers andpresented to a data bus corresponding to bus 117 in the remote ISL unit,and transferred to the local ISL unit by way of interface driverscorresponding to drivers 139. In the local ISL unit, data is received bydata receivers 116 during a remote RRS cycle. The RRS cycle is generatedto transfer the data to the local bus through data multiplexer 129 anddata multiplexer/register 138 to data transceivers 141. Addressinformation is retrieved from the data file register 92, and appliedthrough address multiplexer/register 111 to transceivers 123.

As before described, each ISL unit has a channel number which is usedwhen a CPU addresses an ISL unit. When a command is to pass through anISL unit, however, the CPU destination channel number is used. A CPU ona specific bus may address the local ISL unit on the local bus, or itmay address the remote ISL unit through the local ISL unit. The channelnumbers of each ISL unit are determined by DIP switches. In principlethen, the ISL commands of Table 7 apply to either ISL units and may beissued from either bus. The ACTIVE/PASSIVE switch in each ISL twinenables or disables the ability of that ISL unit to be controlled fromthe local bus.

A first bus instruction to be described is an output control commandhaving a 01 function code as shown in Table 7. The data field of thecommand word provides a mode control including datatransfer/configuration, initialization, stop, resume, NAK/RETRY and testmodes as shown in Table 9 wherein an X indicates either a logic zero ora logic one may occur. There are two test mode bits, bits 2 and 3. Onebit indicates the memory reference mode, and the other controls theresponse of the ISL unit to local or remote bus cycles.

                  TABLE 9                                                         ______________________________________                                        BIT 0 BIT 1   BIT 2   BIT 3 BIT 4                                             ______________________________________                                        1     X       X       X     X      Initialize                                 0     1       X       X     X      Stop                                       0     0       X       X     X      Resume                                     0     X       X       X     1      NAK retry                                                                     noncompares                                0     X       1       X     X      Return nonmemory                                                              references as                                                                 memory references                          0     X       X       1     X      Remote ISL unit                                                               responds only to                                                              its own bus cycles                         ______________________________________                                    

System initialization is controlled by bit 0 of the control wordcommand. The bit is sensed by the master clear generator 94 to clear theISL RAMs. Bits 0 and 1 of the control word command causes the ISL unitto enter into a non-data transfer state upon servicing existingrequests. Thus, if the ISL unit has acknowledged that it shall act as anagent for a communication bus cycle, the ISL unit shall continue toservice that request until all communications required to satisfy thatrequest are completed. Any other data transfer requests occurring afterthe configuration mode command is initiated will be ignored. The commandplaces the ISL unit in a mode to allow the servicing of standardcommunication bus requests. In the case of a multiple CPU system, theNAK/RETRY logic may be initiated by bit 4 of the control word command toNAK a CPU of higher priority to allow an ISL data transfer to continuefor a lower priority CPU.

The control word command is assigned the highest priority in the ISLsystem, since it controls the mode of operation. It can only be issued,however, when the ISL unit is in an active state. In a passive state,the ISL unit will not accept the output control command. The outputcontrol command requires two cycles as previously described which loadthe mode control register 135 in both the local and the remote ISLunits.

The output interrupt control command having a 03 function code loadsregisters 132 and 134 with interrupt data during the configuration modeand in the active state only. If the ISL unit is in the passive state,this command will not be accepted. The output interrupt control commandmay be issued to either the local or remote ISL unit and requires one ortwo cycles as previously described.

This command is a 16-bit command which will identify the CP channelnumber and interrupt level which the ISL will use when interrupting aCPU. The command has the following format: ##STR26##

Register 132 is loaded with the four-bit address of a CPU which the ISLunit is to interrupt when an interrupt condition is encountered. Themost significant six bits of a CPU address are always logic zeros.Register 134 is loaded with a six-bit field designating an interruptlevel which the interrupted CPU uses in defining interrupt priority.

The reset timer command, function code 27, controls the resetting of alltimer status bits. The command further controls the enabling ordisabling of the local or remote watchdog timer, the enabling ordisabling of the I/O or retry timers, and the enabling or blocking ofremote ISL interrupts. The memory timer is always enabled. When one ofthe timer errors is activated by the occurrence of an error, the timermust be reset by the reset timer command.

As before described, both the output timer data and status informationare loaded into logic unit 133. The logic unit thereby may indicate thestatus of each timer's operation.

The reset timer command further may be used to turn the watchdog timeron and off while in the data transfer mode or the configuration mode, onin the active or passive states. If the timer is not strobed within apredetermined time period, a high priority interrupt is handled withinthe interrupt architecture of a CPU. In the event that the logicdecision flow is unable to exit from a CPU control loop, the watchdogtimer is enabled to provide an exit means. In the preferred embodimentdescribed herein, there is a local watchdog timer and a remote watchdogtimer. Each timer and the interrupts emanating therefrom may be CPUcontrolled. The reset timer may be assigned to either the local orremote ISL unit, and generate one or two cycles as previously described.The format of the reset timer command is defined in the following Table10.

                  TABLE 10                                                        ______________________________________                                        bit 0 = 1 Reset Memory Hang Up Timer Status                                   bit 1 = 1 Reset I/O Hang Up Timer Status                                      bit 2 = 1 Reset Watchdog Timer and Status Bit                                 bit 3 = 1 Reset Retry Timer Status                                            bit 4 = 0 Block Local Watchdog Timer & Interrupts                             bit 4 = 1 Enable Local Watchdog Timer & Interrupts                            bit 5 = 0 Block Remote Watchdog Timer Interrupts                              bit 5 = 1 Enable Remote Watchdog Timer Interrupts                             bit 6 = 0 Block Remote Interrupts                                             bit 6 = 1 Enable Remote Interrupts                                            bit 7 = 0 Disable I/O and Retry Hang Up Timers                                bit 7 = 1 Enable I/O and Retry Hang Up Timers                                 bit 8-15  RFU                                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The output mask address command, function code 0B, and the output maskdata command, function code 11, intiate an ISL configuration by writinginto the memory address translation RAM 125, the channel mask RAM 142,and the CPU translation RAMs 113 and 131.

The output mask address command can only be issued to an ISL unit whenin the active state, and only to the local ISL unit. Thus, only onecycle is required as previously described. The output mask addressinstruction will load into RAM counter 118 the address and write enableinformation pertaining to specific translation RAMs into which datapresented during an output mask data instruction is to be written. Moreparticularly, the RAM counter 118 is used for addressing the memoryaddress translation RAM 125, the channel mask RAM 142, the CPUdestination RAM 131 and the CPU source RAM 113 during an ISLconfiguration time period. The address of the RAM location to bemodified is stored in the RAM counter 118, and applied to the RAMcontrol register 108. The register 108 is a tri-state device interfacingwith the address bus 105. The contents of the register are used toaddress the memory address translation RAM 125, the channel addressregisters 101, source address register 114 and CPU address register 136.Data appearing on the data bus 117 thereby may be written into theaddressed locations.

The output or input mask data commands increment counter 118. In usingthe counter, contiguous locations of the ISL RAMS may be addressedwithout having to reissue output mask address commands. The counterfacilitates this operation by sequentially addressing from a startlocation.

When the output mask address instruction is issued to a local ISL unit,the data received from the local communication bus and stored in thedata file register 92 is applied through the register 121 and along bus117 to the input of RAM counter 118.

As before described, ten bits of a memory address are used to address1024 locations of memory by way of a memory address multiplexer 100 anda channel address register 101. The thirteen bit input to the RAMcounter 118 includes an address representing one of the 1024 locationsin RAMs 142 or 125, and an enable for writing into any or alltranslation RAMs. The low order four bits are used to address RAMs 131and 113. Bits 3, 4 and 5 of the bus 117 represent the write enablesignals.

When the bits 3, 4 and 5 of bus 117 are applied through RAM counter 118and RAM control register 108 to bus 105, they become address bits 5, 6and 7, respectively. Address bit 5 will enable a writing into CPU RAMs131 and 113. Address bit 6 enables channel mask RAM 142, and address bit7 enables memory mask RAM 125. It is thus seen that in response to theoutput mask address instruction, the ISL unit shall store into counter118 the RAM addresses in which data is to be written. To this end, bits0 through 15 of the data file register 92 are stored into the counter118. Of the sixteen bits, ten bits represent RAM addresses and threebits are write control bits.

The output mask data command, which may be issued only during theconfiguration mode and in the active state, presents data to be writteninto the location addressed by the output mask address command. Theoutput mask data may be issued to either local or remote ISL units, andshall require one or two internal cycles as previously described. Inresponse thereto, data stored in the data file register 92 is appliedthrough register 121 to the data bus 117. Function code information issupplied by PROM 102 as before described, and decoded by the functioncode decoder 106. The output of the decoder 106 instructs the localcontrol logic to route the data on bus 117 to one of the RAMs 142, 125,113 or 131 for a write operation. The starting address of the locationof the identified RAM into which data is to be written is identified bycounter 118. The address is applied through the RAM control unit 108 andalong bus 105 to address one of the memory cells of the identified RAM.Bits 5, 6 and 7 of the register output of counter 118 thus become writeenable strobes for the RAMs 131, 113, 125 and 142.

The specific timing of the write operation is handled by the cyclegenerator 146. Write pulses are generated for each enabled RAM of thelocal ISL unit. Data thereby may be written into any or all of the RAMs.

Either the local or the remote ISL unit may be loaded by an output maskdata instruction. The output mask address instruction, however, isapplied only to a local ISL unit. Thus, if data were written into alocal RAM from location zero, another output mask address instructionwould not have to be issued to write into the remote RAMs from locationzero. Only an output mask data instruction issued to the remote ISL unitwould be required.

It is thus seen that the output mask address and output mask datacommands operate in pairs to load the four configuration RAMs in theISL. The format of the commands to load the memory address translationmask RAM 125 is: ##STR27##

The output mask address command establishes the starting location of theRAM counter 118. The output mask data command loads a ten-bit quantityinto a previously designated location, and increments the counter. Toload the next consecutive location, only the output mask data commandneed be issued. The H_(m) (memory hit) bits are all initialized to zero,and the memory mask data is initialized to all logic ones.

In loading the channel mask RAM 142. the commands have the followingformats: ##STR28##

The output mask address command establishes the starting location of aRAM counter 118. The output mask data command loads the H_(C) (channelhit) bit to cause the ISL to respond to that channel number. Inaddition, the output mask data command causes the counter 118 toincrement. To load a hit bit into a next consecutive location, only theoutput mask data command need be issued.

In order to load a CPU translation RAM, RAM 131 or 113, the output maskaddress and mask data commands have the following formats: ##STR29##

The output mask address command identifies a CPU channel number. Theoutput mask data command defines the value that the channel number willbe translated to as it passes through the ISL unit. In addition, theoutput mask data command increments the counter 118 to the nextconsecutive value.

The input commands now shall be described. The input interrupt controlcommand, function code 02, is similar to the output interrupt controlcommand. The command requires one or three cycles as previouslydescribed for local or remote ISL commands, and the ISL unit must be inconfiguration mode and active state. Rather than load the interruptchannel register 132 and the interrupt level register 134, however, thecommand routes the data to the internal data multiplexer 129. The datathereafter is routed through multiplexer 129 and multiplex register 138to the data transceivers 141. The contents of the data file register 92,which contains the address of the master device, will be routed throughaddress multiplexer/register 111 and to address transceivers 123.

The input interrupt control command causes the ISL unit to apply thecontents of the interrupt registers 132 and 134 to the data multiplexer129. The interrupt channel register 132 provides four bits indicating aCPU channel number, and the interrupt level register 134 provides sixbits of interrupt level information. The format of the command is thesame as that for the output interrupt control command.

The input mask data command, function code 10, causes an ISL unit toread the contents of the memory cell which was previously addressed byan output mask address command. More particularly, the local controllogic senses the address loaded in the counter 118, and initiates areading of each of RAMs 113, 125 and 142. A single channel mask bit isread from RAM 142, ten memory translation bits and a hit bit are readfrom RAM 125, and four CPU definition bits are read from RAM 131. Atotal of sixteen bits, therefore, are applied through transceivers toeither the local or remote communication busses. The input mask data maybe issued to both local and remote ISL units, thus resulting in one orthree cycles as previously described.

The input mask data command further provides a post increment capabilitywhen the RAM counter 118 has been loaded with an initial count. Locationzero of a RAM may first be read, followed by 1024 input mask datacommands read out of all 1024 locations. Since the RAM data should be ahexadecimal 03FF when initialized, any other data indicates that atranslation or hit bit resides in the addressed memory location. The ISLmust be in the configuration mode and in an active state.

The format of the input mask data command as compared to the output maskaddress command is: ##STR30##

The output mask address command sets a starting location in counter 118.The input mask data command provides the contents of the addressedlocation, and increments the counter. To read the next location, onlythe input mask data command need be issued. The input mask data commandreturns the contents of all of the ISL configuration RAMs at the sametime. For a specific address, the corresponding memory translateaddress, the H_(m) (memory hit) bit, the Hc (channel hit) bit and theCPU translate channel number are returned. Because the CPU channelnumber translation memory has only sixteen locations, an output addressof 0 will return the identical location as would 010₁₆, 020₁₆, etc.

The input status word command, function code 18, causes the status bitsstored in logic unit 133 to be read. The state of the timers, theoccurrence of pending interrupts and the logic state of the ISL unitthereby may be determined. A status word command may be issued in eitherthe data transfer or the configuration modes, and in either the activeor passive states. The status bits are defined in Table 11.

A further input command is the input device ID command which may beissued in either the information transfer or the ISL configurationmodes, and in either the active or the passive states. The ISL ID is afixed number that is identical for every ISL unit regardless of address.The command is unique in that only the local ID is read, no matterwhether the local or the remote ISL unit is addressed. If the remote ISLunit is not electrically connected to the local ISL unit, however, theID number that will be read onto the local bus shall, for example, be ahexadecimal 2400.

                                      TABLE 11                                    __________________________________________________________________________    ISL STATUS BITS                                                               BIT  IDENTIFICATION                                                                            DEFINITION                                                   __________________________________________________________________________    0    On Line     Both ISL units are operational                                                with power on.                                               1    Remote Interrupt                                                                          This bit is a composite status bit                                            representing three remote status                                              bits and subject to two mask bits.                                            It will be true if:                                                           Remote WDT Mask Enabled (Bit 5                                                of FC= 27)                                                                      AND                                                                         Remote WDT Timeout (Bit 6 of                                                  Remote Status)                                                                  OR                                                                          Remote Error Mask Enabled (Bit 6                                              of FC= 27)                                                                      AND                                                                         Remote Non-Existant Resource                                                  (Bit 13 of Remote Status)                                    3    Active Switch                                                                             The local twin is in the active                                               state.                                                       6    Local WDT Timeout                                                                         This condition is subject to the                                              Local WDT Mask (bit 4 of FC= 27)                             8    Retry Hangup                                                                              The retry hangup timer has                                                    expired.                                                     9    IO Hangup   The IO hangup timer expired.                                 10   Memory Read Hangup                                                                        The memory read hangup timer                                                  expired.                                                     13   Non-Existant Resource                                                                     The ISL received a NAK from                                                   memory on one of its non-locked                                               memory operations.                                           14   Bus Parity  The ISL detected bad parity on a                                              transfer directed to it.                                     4                                                                             5    RFU                                                                      7                                                                             11                                                                            12                                                                            15                                                                            __________________________________________________________________________

If each of the ISL units are electrically connected and powered, the IDnumber may be, by way of example, a hexadecimal 2402. The input deviceID command thus may be used by a diagnostic programmer to determinewhether a local and/or a remote ISL unit is connected.

A more detailed discussion of the test mode operation of an ISL unitshall now be made. In an output control word instruction, there are twotest or wraparound mode bits as before described. Bit 2 is referred toas a total test mode bit, and bit 3 is referred to as a remote test modebit. When a total test mode bit is set, each of the ISL units enter atest mode. When the remote test mode bit is set, however, only theremote ISL unit is affected.

In a test mode, one of two logic paths shall be used. When the totaltest mode bit is set, a memory loop-back logic path is used. An I/Oloop-back logic path requires both the total test mode and the remotetest mode bits to be set.

In the memory loop-back logic path, the local and remote ISL unit mustbe configured to act upon addresses issued by the local communicationbus. More particularly, when a CPU issues a memory reference instructionto a local communication bus wherein an address other than a localmemory address is indicated, the local ISL unit shall transfer atranslation of that information to the remote ISL unit. If the indicatedaddress is configured in the remote ISL unit, the remote ISL unitreturns the information to the local ISL unit. A loop-back thereby isinitiated to again translate the information in the local ISL unit forapplication to the local bus. It is to be understood that even though amemory address does not exist on either the local or the remote memorybus, the local and remote ISL units may be configured to recognize thememory address and act as an agent for the associated memory cycle. TheISL units, therefore, issue ACKs in response to the memory address asbefore described.

A significant characteristic of the test mode is that the local andremote ISL units may be dynamically tested without interrupting systemoperations on a remote communication bus. No devices on the remote busare used, and no more than a single bus cycle is lost. Another featureis that no task in operation is interrupted before completion.

When an I/O loop-back test is to be conducted, the same logic paths areused as for data. The ISL cycles which are generated in the ISL units,however, are different. Further, the channel address register 101 andthe channel mask RAM 142 are exercised, rather than the memory addressregister 100 and the memory address translation RAM 125 which were usedin the memory loop-back test. In operation, an I/O command to a channelnumber is issued. Since the channel number is carried by an I/O requestand not a memory request, the channel number is not translatable.Rather, the channel number which must not refer to channel numbers onthe local or remote bus is converted to a memory address on theloop-back to the local communication bus. In reading or writing intolocal memory, the memory request is transferred through the local to theremote ISL unit, and back through the local ISL unit. It is to beunderstood that if the selected channel number occurred on either theremote bus or the local bus, an ACK would be generated outside the ISLunits. Thus, a channel number which is not recognized by either thelocal or the remote bus must be applied to the channel mask RAM 142.Since the RAMs may be configured to recognize the channel number, thechannel is transferred from the local to the remote ISL unit, and thenceback to the local ISL unit. The channel number with the remainder of theaddress bus information must convert to an actual memory address on thelocal bus for a successful test to be detected.

The test mode bits set to initiate an I/O loop-back test also transitiona memory reference line in the local control logic to a logic one state.When the loop-back information is received from the remote ISL unit atreceivers 104 and 115, and loaded into the multiplexers 111 and 138,therefore, the address information including the channel number becomesa memory address. A memory location on the local bus thereby may be reador written into to provide a logic test. A distinction between thememory loop-back test and the I/O loop-back test is that during thememory loop-back only MRQ and MRS inter-memory cycles are used. Duringthe I/O loop-back test, however, RRQ and RRS internal cycles are used.The memory cycles are always acknowledged while the I/O cycles are notinitially acknowledged. Rather, a WAIT Is issued before a local RRQcycle takes place in the remote unit. As a result of an RRQ local cyclein the remote ISL unit, there is generated a remote RRQ cycle in thelocal ISL unit. Upon the occurrence of the remote RRQ cycle in the localISL unit, the I/O command is converted to a memory address from localmemory, and transferred from the local ISL unit to the remote ISL unit.Upon an equivalence occurring at the remote ISL unit's bus comparatorcorresponding to comparator 99, the remote ISL unit shall transfer anACK from the remote bus to the local ISL unit. Upon an equivalenceoccurring at the bus comparator 93 of the local ISL unit, the ACK shallbe transferred to the local bus. The CPU on the local bus initiating theRRQ request thereupon shall be satisfied, and shall cease generating RRQrequests. It is thus apparent that two loop-back tests may be conductedto test the local and remote ISL logic. One test in response to an RRQrequest, and one test in response to an MRQ.

Referring again to the ISL configuration mode, it is to be understoodthat an ISL unit is configured through the use of the I/O outputcommands. More particularly, the control word command effects theloading of the mode control register 135, the interrupt control wordeffects the loading of the interrupt channel register 132 and theinterrupt level register 135, and the reset timer command effects theloading of the timer and status logic unit 133. In addition, the outputmask address command effects the loading of the RAM counter 118 and theRAM control register 108. The output mask data command is used to loaddata into the ISL RAMs.

The data loaded into the ISL unit during an ISL configuration may beverified through the use of the I/O input commands.

Each ISL unit includes five timers, to be further described inconnection with the description of FIGS. 14, for the purpose ofdetecting and clearing hangup conditions. The timers are reset by thebefore-described reset timer commands. If a second-half bus cycle frommemory is not forthcoming within a predetermined period as indicated bya memory hangup timer, the ISL shall complete a read request by sendingan invalid data word to the requestor. In the preferred embodimentdescribed herein, a predetermined time period of approximately sixmicroseconds is used.

If a second-half bus cycle from an I/O controller is not forthcomingwithin approximately 200 milliseconds, by way of example, an I/O hanguptimer shall issue a signal to cause the ISL unit to complete an inputrequest by sending a meaningless data word to the requestor with baddata parity and a RED indicator set. The I/O hangup timer is enabled bythe reset timers command.

If a local bus cycle is not completed within seven microseconds, a deadman time-out issues a signal to cause the ISL unit to issue a NAK. Thisis a service to the bus rather than to the ISL unit, and is intended forthose configurations where the bus does not contain a CPU. The NAK shallcause the same effects as a non-existent resource NAK, and may causefurther actions to occur in the ISL if the ISL is a party to the cycle.

A watchdog timer is provided to facilitate the use of ISL units inredundant systems. Once the time is turned on by an I/O command, thetimer shall issue a logic one signal if it is not reset more frequentlythan once per second at 60 Hz. When the timer issues a logic one signal,the local bus and the remote bus are interrupted. The watchdog timerinterrupts may be blocked by a proper setting of the reset timerscommand.

The retry hangup timer is started when an ISL unit first issues a WAITsignal as a result of a retry, and is reset when an ACK or NAK isissued. If more than 100 milliseconds, by way of example, have elapsedand the retry cycle has not been completed, the ISL unit shall notrespond to further bus cycle requests from an original master. The buswill time-out and the originator shall thereby be aware of a hangup. Thetimer is enabled under the control of the reset timer command.

Each of the timers control the logic levels of status bits as set forthin Table 11.

Each ISL unit has a status register in the timers and status logic unit133. The local status register contains information relative to thelocal Isl unit, as well as a composite status bit representing certainconditions in the remote ISL unit. In the event the remote interrupt bitin the local status register is at a logic one level, detailed statuswould be obtained by reading the remote status register via the localISL unit. Three mask bits are provided to block certain specificinterrupt and status conditions. These mask bits are set/cleared as partof the reset timers/interrupt mask command (FC=27).

FIGS. 14A-14Z, 14AA-14AC

FIGS. 14 illustrates an ISL unit in detailed logic schematic form. It isto be understood that the logic systems comprising an ISL unit aredistributed throughout the unit, and share common logic elements.

In attempting a description of connections of the logic elements to makean ISL unit, it is quickly found that the conducting lines to the inputsand outputs of the logic elements lead to other logic elementsdistributed throughout the twenty-nine figures comprising FIGS. 14. Theresult is not a meaningful instruction of how to make an ISL unit, butrather a massive display of connection verbage requiring an excessiveamount of time to decipher and implement. In order to provide ameaningful description wherein the connections of any logic element onany Figure may be readily ascertained and implemented, two computerlistings incorporated in this specification as Appendix A and Appendix Bhave been specially designed for the description of FIGS. 14.

In addition, the logic elements of the FIGS. 14 have been numbered inaccordance with a numbering system that complements the information ofAppendices A and B. For example, each component is identified by a threedigit number. Each component receives one or more input signals andgenerates one or more output signals. Each signal is identified by afive digit number. The first three digits of each signal identify thecomponent of which the signal is an output. The last two digits identifythe pin number of the output of that component. Every signal has a ninecharacter mnemonic naming the signal functionally, and a two digitnumber identifying different signals having the same mnemonic. Eachsignal also has a (+) or (-) designator identifying the state that makesthe mnemonic true, and two decimal digits for differentiating betweensignals with the same six character mnemonic.

Referring to FIG. 14M by way of example, a 74LSO4 inverter is identifiedwith the three digit number 641. The output signal is on pin number 04.The output signal is identified as 64104. The input signal connected toinput pin number 03 is identified with the number 64013. It is generatedby a 74SO2 integrated circuit NOR gate 640. The output signal is on pinnumber 13.

The mnemonic for the write interrupt function is WRTINT. Signal number64013 has the mnemonic WRTINT-00. The minus sign indicates that thesignal 64013 is at logical zero when the system performs the writeinterrupt function. Similarly, signal 64104 has the mnemonic WRTINT+10.The plus sign indicates that the signal 64104 is at a logical one whenthe system performs the write interrupt function. The 00 and 10designations identify different signals with the same mnemonic.

Appendix A is sorted by a five digit signal number, and has six columns.The first column identifies the signal. The second column identifies themnemonic. The third column lists the three digit reference number andthe two digit pin number. The fourth column indicates whether the signalfor the component listed in column five is a source (S) or a load (L) ofa circuit component, an input (I) to or an output (O) from a connector,a terminal (T) or a wired OR gate (W).

                  TABLE 12                                                        ______________________________________                                        DIRECTORY TO FIGURES 14 A-Z and AA-AC                                         Logic                                                                         Sheet    Figure    Title                                                      ______________________________________                                        01       14A       NML Bus Connector                                          02       14B       NML Driver/Recv. (Conn. Z01)                               03       14C       NML Driver/Recv. (Conn. Z02)                               04       14D       NML Bus Control                                            05       14E       Bus Address MUX                                            06       14F       Address and Data Tri-State                                                    Connectors                                                 07       14G       Bus Data MUX                                               08       14H       ACK, NAK, WAIT                                             09       14I       DCNN and HIS Response                                      10       14J       Channel Decode and ID                                      11       14K       Function Decode                                            12       14L       IOLD and MCLR                                              13       14M       Interrupt Control                                          15       14N       File Full Control                                          16       14O       Address and Data Files                                     17       14P       Bus Compare                                                18       14Q       RAM Counter and Control                                    19       14R       CHN. & MEM. Address MUX                                    20       14S       Memory Address Translator and                                                 Hit Bit                                                    21       14T       Internal Data File & MUX                                   22       14U       Transfer & Remote Cycle                                    23       14V       Priority & Cycle Generator                                 24       14W       CP Translator                                              26       14X       WDT and ISL Interrupt                                      27       14Y       Bus I/O Mem. Retry Timers                                  28       14Z       Intra Bus ADDR DRV/RECV                                    29       14AA      Intra Bus Data DRV/RECV                                    30       14AB      Intra Bus Misc. DRV/RECV                                   31       14AC      Twin Interface Conn. and Term.                             ______________________________________                                    

The fifth column identifies the circuit component by its manufacturer'scatalog number. The first three characters of the sixth column are notused, and the last two characters are used in conjunction with thedirectory set forth in Table 12 to identify the FIGS. 14A-14AC on whichthe component is found.

For example, on line 64013 of column 1, 64013 is the signal number.WRTINT-00 in column 2 is the signal mnemonic. The signal number 64013 isrepeated in column 3. The S in column 4 indicates a source (from gate640, pin 13). The number 74SO2 in column 5 is the manufacturer'sidentification number of the component 640. The characters 06Z of column6 are ignored. The characters 13 refer to a sheet number set forth inTable 12. Referring to Table 12, it is seen that sheet number 13corresponds to FIG. 14M on which interrupt control logic is illustrated.

On the line following the signal number 64013, columns 1 and 2 areblank. The number 64103 in column 3 refers to pin 03 of component 641.Column 4 indicates with the character L that signal 64013 is connectedto the 03 input pin of component 641. The number 74SO4 in column 5 isthe manufacture's identification number of component 641, and thecharacters 07D of column 6 are ignored as before stated. The characters13 of column 6, however, may be used with Table 12 to identify FIG. 14M.

The Appendix B is sorted by the mnemonics of column 2, and comprises sixcolumns. The first column lists the signal number. The second columnidentifies the signal mnemonic. The third column lists the signalnumber. The fourth column indicates whether the component in column fiveis provided a source (S) or a load (L), or if a connector is provided aninput (I) or an output (O). A terminal (T) and a wired OR gate (W) alsomay be indicated. Column five identifies the circuit component by itsmanufacturer's catalog number. The first three characters of the sixthcolumn are not used. The last two characters are used in conjunctionwith Table 12 to identify the FIGS. 14A-14AC on which the component isfound.

For example, in columns 1 and 3 of the line indicated by the signalmnemonic WRTINT-00, the signal number 64013 is given. In column 4, thecharacter S indicates gate 640 is a source of signal 64013. In column 5,the number 74SO2 is the manufacturer's identification number of gate640. In column 6, the characters 06Z are ignored. The characters 13identify FIG. 14M in Table 12. On the line following WRTINT-00, columns1 and 2 are blank. The number 64103 in column 3 is a signal number alsoidentifying the component having the reference number 641 and aconnecting pin 03 of the component. The character L in column 4indicates that the signal 64013 is applied to an input pin of component74SO4. The number 74SO4 of column 5 is the manufacturer's identificationnumber for gate 641. In column 6, the characters 07D are ignored, andthe characters 13 identify FIG. 14M in Table 12.

As a further example, referring to FIG. 14F, signal 16306 having themnemonic AFIL10+00, signal 83509 having the mnemonic RMAD10+00 andsignal 74105 having the mnemonic CNTL10+00 are applied to a wired ORgate 142. The output of the wired OR gate 142 is signal 14201 having themnemonic ADDR10+00.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, the signal 16306 having the mnemonic AFIL10+00is an output on pin 06 of a RAM 163. Referring to FIG. 14Z, the signal88309 having the mnemonic RMAD10+00 is an output signal at pin 09 of adriver 883. Referring to FIG. 14Q, the signal 74105 having the mnemonicCNTL10+00 is an output signal on pin 05 of register 741.

Referring to Appendix A at line 16306, columns 1 and 3 identify thesignal 16306 having the mnemonic AFIL10+00. The character W in column 4indicates that the signal 16306 is connected to a wired OR gate. Incolumn 5, it is indicated that the signal is generated by a 74LS670circuit element. In column 6, the character 08A are ignored, and thecharacters 16 in conjunction with Table 12 identify FIG. 14-0. On thenext following line, columns 1 and 2 are blank. Column 3 identifies thewired OR gate as gate 142. The number 02 identifies the wire as beingthe second wire wrap on the pin. In column 4, the character L identifiesthe signal 16306 as being an input to the wired OR gate 142. In column5, the characters +W003 indicate that the wired OR gate is a three inputwired OR gate comprising four wires wrapped around a pin. The wires areidentified as 01, 02, 03 and 04. Column 6 indicates that the wired ORgate may be found in the Figure associated with sheet number 06 in Table12. That Figure is FIG. 14F. The characters 11A of column 6 are ignored.

Referring to line 14201 ADDR10+00, column 1 identifies the componentreference number 142. The characters 01 identify the wire as being thefirst wire wrap on the pin. Column 4 indicates that the signal is asource (S) signal. Column 5 identifies the component as a three inputwired OR gate as before described. Column 6 indicates that the wired ORgate is found in the Figure associated with the sheet number 06 in Table12. The characters 11A are ignored.

Referring to the line in Appendix B indicated by the mnemonic AFIL10+00,it is seen that columns 1 and 3 identify the signal number 16306. Incolumn 4, the letter W identifies the signal as being an input to awired OR gate. Column 5 identifies the signal as being the output of the74LS670 circuit element. The characters 08A of column 6 are ignored. Thecharacters 16 used in conjunction with Table 12 identify FIG. 14-0. Onthe next following line, columns 1 and 2 are blank. Column 3 identifiesthe wired OR gate 142. The characters 02 identify a wire as being thesecond wire wrapped on a pin. In column 4, the L identifies the signalas an input to the wired OR gate. Column 5 identifies the circuitcomponent +W003 as being a three input wired OR gate. In column 6,characters 11A are ignored. The characters 06 used in conjunction withTable 12 identify FIG. 14F.

Referring to line ADDR10+00, columns 1 and 2 identify the signal number14201. Column 3 identifies the signal as an output signal from component142. The characters 01 indicate that the wire is the first wire wrap onthe pin. In column 4, the S identifies the component as a source. Incolumn 5, the component is identified as a three input wired OR gate asbefore described. Column 6 indicates that the wired OR gate isillustrated in FIG. 14F.

Signal 88309 having the mnemonic RMAD10+00 and, signal 74105 having themnemonic CNTL10+00 may be found in Appendix A and Appendix B inaccordance with the above described guidelines.

A functional description of the ISL unit illustrated in FIGS. 14 shallnow be provided. Since the logic systems comprising the ISL unit aredistributed throughout the unit, the functional descriptions also shallflow throughout the FIGS. 14.

The initialization logic of the ISL consists of the power-up and masterclear phases, and are described in connection with the logic diagramillustrated in FIG. 14L. FIG. 14A illustrates a connector 104 and aconnector 105 which interconnect the communication bus signals to theISL logic system. A bus power-on signal from the communication bus isapplied to all devices. The ISL logic detects a leading edge of a buspower-on signal 10535, which is applied to the input of a delay line 250in FIG. 14L. The output of the delay line 250 has two delayed outputs. Afirst output signal 25003 delays the bus power-on signal 10535 by 30nanoseconds. A second output signal 25014 delays the bus power-on signal10535 by 60 nanoseconds. The signals 25003 and 25014 are applied to theinput of an OR gate 251. The output of OR gate 251 is a pulse signal25103 whose leading edge rises 30 nanoseconds after the rise of the buspower-on signal 10535, and whose trailing edge falls 60 nanosecondsafter the fall of the bus power-on signal 10535.

The 25103 output signal is applied to the input of a one-shot 370 whichgenerates an assertion signal 37005 and a negation signal 37012. Thenegation signal 37012 is a negative going pulse of 1.5 millisecondsduration.

The negation signal 37012 is applied to the clock input of a D flip-flop531. The flop 531 is responsive to the trailing edge of the negationsignal 37012 which is applied approximately 1.5 milliseconds after theleading edge of the bus power-on signal 10535, FIG. 14A, is detected.

The flop 531 output signal 53109 is applied to an input of anEXCLUSIVE-OR gate 290. A local communication bus master clear signal24305 is applied to another input of EXCLUSIVE-OR 290. Signal 24305 isthe assertion output of a D-flop 243. A master clear button from thecontrol panel applies a signal 10407 to a driver/receiver 242, FIG. 14B,from connector 104. The driver-receiver 242 output signal 24214 isapplied to a clock input of a flop 243, FIG. 14L. A 93213 signal isapplied to the CD input of flop 243 from the remote ISL. The 93212signal assures that the flop 243 will be set out if there is no masterclear happening in the remote ISL.

Either the bus power-on signal 53109 or the master clear switch 24305will start a master clear sequence by forcing an output signal 29006 ofEXCLUSIVE-OR gate 290 to logic one.

Output signal 29006 is applied to an inverting driver 468. An invertedoutput 46808 is applied to a 200 nanosecond delay line 467. The 200nanosecond tap output signal 46707 is applied to the reset terminal offlop 243. This assures a 200 nanosecond pulse to the ISL logic toperform the reset function regardless of the length of time the busclear signal 10407 is on the bus. A 100 ohm resistor 129 for the delayline 467 is used to electrically terminate the signal.

At the end of a 200 nanosecond pulse, signal 46707 clears flop 531. Thenegative output of the flop 531, signal 53108 is applied to the clockterminal of a D-flop 511 to force the flop into a set condition. Thesetting of flop 511 starts the internal clear process.

The master clear function for the ISL unit is generated by one of foursignals. One signal 24306 is the negated output of flop 243 which iscaused by the local control panel. The second signal 93212 is the masterclear signal from a remote control panel. The third signal 91612 iscaused by a software initialize instruction or a power-up condition onthe remote communication bus. The fourth signal is the softwareinitialize instruction or a power-up condition on the localcommunication bus. Three of the signals are applied to the inputs of aninverted OR gate 734. An output signal 73406 is applied to an input ofan OR gate 831. The fourth signal, master clear signal 53109, is appliedto the other input of the gate 831. An output signal 83111 of OR gate831 is applied to the four inputs of NAND gate 830 which provides theoutput master clear for the flops and registers. Signal 83006 isinverted by an inverter 448, whose output 44806 is also used to clearflops and registers. Some flops and registers require assertion signalswhile other flops and registers require the negation signal.

Signal 83006 is applied to the clock terminal of a flop 470. The outputsignal 47005 of the flop starts the master clear sequence. Initially,when the master clear 200 nanosecond pulse 46707 was being generated,the 40 nanosecond pulse signal 46712 was applied to a NAND gate 512. Thesignal 53109 was applied to the other input of NAND gate 512. The outputpulse signal 51208 is applied to an OR gate 469. Since the output signal46908 of the gate 469 is normally at a logic one, the output signal46908 shall transition to a logic zero to reset flop 470 when the signal51208 transitions to a logic zero. The above sequence insures that thesystem will be in an initialized state after the 200 nanosecond pulse46707 has returned to its normal logic one state.

Signal 58109, the output of a JK flop 581, FIG. 14N, is also applied tothe input of NOR gate 469, FIG. 14L. Signal 58109 is forced to logiczero to reset flop 470 when a retry request is processed.

Flop 470 is therefore reset 40 nanoseconds after the master clear signal10407 is received over the bus. Flop 470 is again set by the trailingedge of the signal 83006 to start the master clear sequence.

The MY MASTER CLEAR signal 53109 is applied to an inverter 868 and theoutput, signal 86804, is applied to an input of a driver 870, FIG. 14AB.An output signal 87014 is sent out on the remote bus to indicate thatthe ISL logic unit is in a master clear operation. A signal 91612 isreceived over the remote bus by the ISL logic unit and is applied to aninput of a NOR gate 734 to indicate that another unit is in a masterclear mode. An output signal 73406 is applied to the other input of ORgate 831, thereby generating the master clear signal 83111 as describedsupra to alternatively set the 470 flop on the rise of signal 83006.

The master clear sequence flop 470 is therefore set in both the localand the remote units. The master clear sequence signal 47005 is appliedto an AND/OR gate 388, FIG. 14V. The output signal 38808 is applied to aNOR gate 608. The output signal 60808 is applied to the CD input of aD-flop 464. A signal 60408 is applied to the clock input of flop 464which is an output signal of an AND gate 604. A signal 17612 is appliedto an input of AND gate 604. Signal 17612 is the output of a negative ORgate 176. The signal 38808, which is the output of AND/OR gate 388, isapplied to the input of negative OR gate 176.

In addition to the local cycle flop 464, an ISL cycle D-flop 441 is setby the clock signal 60408. The ISL cycle flop 441 sets any time any ISLcycle takes place, and the local cycle flop 464 sets when the conditioncausing an ISL cycle was due to a request from a local communicationsbus. A remote cycle flop 572 is set when an ISL cycle is initiated froma remote communications bus. When the ISL cycle flop 441 sets, theoutput signal 44109 is applied to the input of a power driver 322. Theoutput signal 32206 is applied to a 125 nanosecond delay line 374. Thevarious output signals of delay line 374 are used to control the flopsduring the ISL cycle.

In particular, signal 37411, a 50 nanosecond delay signal, resets theISL cycle flop 441. This syncs the output signal 44109 to a 50nanosecond pulse. When the local cycle flop 464 is set, the outputsignal 46405 is applied to a 4-bit register 490 to clock input data intothe register 490. The inputs to register 490 are the memory requestsignal 48305, the retry request signal 58109, the retry response signal58810 and memory response signal 35106.

The logic in FIG. 14V also determines priority, and whether the local orremote operation will have access to the ISL cycle. The master clear andmaster clear sequences have the highest priority, although the cyclethat performs the master clear sequence has the lowest priority.However, the high priority functions are controlled to allow the masterclear operation.

As an example, the local retry request signal 58109 is generated as anoutput of a JK flop 581, FIG. 14N. The flop 581 is set during theinitialization sequence. A signal 83006 is applied to the S input of aD-flop 632 which sets the flop if the signal 83006 is at a logic zero.This forces the output signal 63209 to a logic one. If there is no busdata signal 21510 at a logic one. The output of a NAND gate 559, signal55906, thereupon transitions to a logic zero, Signal 55906 is applied tothe S input of the flop 581 to set flop 581. The output signal 58109 isset to logic one and is applied to the CJ input of a JK flop 584. Theflop 584 is also set during a master clear sequence by means of the53108 input applied to an OR gate 605. The output signal 60506 isapplied to the S input of flop 584, thereby setting the flop 584. Flop584 is set at this time to block another reguest from coming in on thebus.

The output of flop 581, signal 58109, is applied as stated supra to theinput of register 490, FIG. 14V, and is clocked into the register bysignal 46405. The corresponding output of register 490, signal 49010, isapplied to AND gate 5831 which is one of four AND gates defining thefour basic ISL cycles.

These AND gates which will be described infra are, in addition to ANDgate 583, AND gates 590, 486 and 493. In this case, output signal 58306is selected from the local retry request operation.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, during the master clear sequence a predeterminedpattern is stored in all 1024 addresses of Random Access Memory.Counters 744, 745 and 746 are initially cleared to zero by the resetsignal 83111, which was generated by OR gate 831, FIG. 14L, as wasdescribed supra. The counters 744, 745 and 745 are then incremented for1024 counts after being reset to zero. The count signal is initiated bythe 47006 signal output of flop 470, FIG. 14L, which is applied to aninput of a NOR gate 908, FIG. 14Q. The output signal 90812 is applied tothe input of an AND gate 740. The local retry request signal 90002 isapplied ot another input of AND gate 740. The output, count incrementsignal 74003, is applied to an input of an AND gate 747. The outputsignal 74711 is applied to the +1 terminal of counter 746. The signal90002 is generated when the output signal 58306 of the AND gate 583,FIG. 14V, is applied to an inverter 900, FIG. 14U. The output of theinverter is signal 90002. An end pulse signal 37606 is applied to aninput of AND gate 747. The 125 nanosecond output signal 37407 from delayline 37415, FIG. 14V, is applied to the input of an inverter 377. Theoutput signal 37712 is applied to the input of an inverter 376 whichgenerates the end pulse signal 37606. This 125 nanosecond signal stepsthe counters 746, 745 and 744, of FIG. 14Q, by controlling the output ofAND gate 74711. The carry output signal 74612 is applied to the +1terminal of counter 745, and the carry output signal 74512 is applied tothe +1 terminal of counter 744.

The 1, 2, 4 and 8 output signals, 74603, 74602, 74606 and 74607 ofcounter 746, are applied to their respective inputs of a register 741.The 1, 2, 4 and 8 output signals 74503, 74502, 74506 and 74507 ofcounter 745 are also applied to their respective inputs of register 741.The 1 and 2 output signals 74403 and 74402 of counter 744 are applied toinputs of a register 929. Registers 741 and 929 are tri-state registers.

Registers 929 and 741 are enabled by a count select signal 74808 whichis applied to the enable terminals of the registers. The signal 74808 isgenerated by the output of an AND gate 748, and is operative when theISL system is in a master clear mode. Both inputs 53910 and 56108 to ANDgate 748 are at a logic zero at this time.

The output signals of registers 741 and 929 are signals 92915, 92912,92916, 92909, 92905, 74105, 74106, 74119, 74102, 74109, 74115, 74112 and74116. These signals are applied in FIG. 14F to the address bus bits5-17 of wired OR gates 13701, 13801, 13901, 14001, 14101, 14201, 14301,14401, 14501, 14601, 14701, 14801 and 14901, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 14R, the address 8-17 signals 14001, 14101, 14201,14301, 14401, 14501, 14601, 14701, 14801 and 14901 are applied to the"1" terminal of multiplexers 313, 314 and 315. The output of themultiplexers 313, 314 and 315, channel address 0-9 signals, are appliedto the address terminals of a RAM 276. During the master clear sequence,therefore, all 1024 addresses of RAM 276 will be accessed because the"1" terminal is selected by signal 53910.

Similarly address 8-11 signals 14001, 14101, 14201, and 14301 areapplied to the "1" input terminal of a multiplexer 472. Address 12-15signals 14401, 14501, 14601 and 14701 are applied to the "1" inputterminal of a multiplexer 473, and address 16 and 17 signals are appliedto the "3" terminal of multiplexers 474 and 475, respectively.Multiplexers 474 and 475 having a signal 48112 applied to the selectterminal "1" from NAND gate 481. Signal 48112 will be at logic one atthis time because the input signals 24414, 47006 and 53910 are all atlogic zero.

The outputs of the multiplexers 472, 473, 474 and 475, memory address0-9 signals 47212, 47209, 47207, 47204, 47312, 47309, 47307, 47304,47409, and 47507 are applied to the address terminals of the memorytranslation storage RAMS 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714 and714, and to the hit bit storage RAM 863.

Referring to FIG. 14W, the address 14-17 signals 14601, 14701, 14801,and 14901 are applied to the "0" terminal of a multiplexer 749. The CPUtranslator address 0-3 signals 74912, 74909, 74907 and 74904 are appliedto the address input terminals of RAMs 754 and 757. The "O" input ofmultiplexer 749 is selected since signal 92806 applies a logic zero tothe select terminal of multiplexer 749, and the local retry responsecycle signal 59012 input to an AND gate 928 is at logic zero.

The master clear sequence signal 47006 is applied to inputs of NANDgates 750, 751, 752 and 753. Since the ISL system is still in a masterclear cycle, signal 47006 is at logic zero. The output signals 75003,75108, 75211, and 75306 are at logic one. These signals are applied tothe data input terminal of RAM 754. As the RAM 754 cycles through the 16address locations, logic zeros shall be written into every addresslocation since the signal is inverted at the RAM 754 input.

The write enable terminal of RAM 754 is activated by a signal 76003, theoutput of an AND gate 760. Signal 63811 which is the output of an ANDgate 638, FIG. 14V, is applied to an input of NAND gate 760. One inputto AND gate 638 is the 60 nanosecond delay pulse 32502. Referring toFIG. 14K, both the MYCLER signal 51105 and the master clear sequencesignal 47005 are applied to inputs of a NAND gate 471. The MYCLER signal51105 input to NAND gate 471 enables the clearing of the RAM 754 duringa power-on master clear sequence. The clearing of the RAM 754, however,is prohibited when the master clear button is depressed on the controlpanel. Both of these signals are at logic one to indicate a RAM writeoperation. Output signal 47103 is applied to an input of a NOR gate 639.Output signal 63908, at logic one, is applied to the input of AND gate638 of FIG. 14V. The output signal 63811 at logic one is applied to theinput of NAND gate 760, FIG. 14W, if the address 5 signal 13701 is alsoat logic one. The output of NAND gate 760, signal 76003, thentransitions to a logic zero to enable the RAM write operation.

Referring to FIG. 14R, the input channel mask write signal is applied tothe write enable terminal of RAM 276. Signal 63811 is applied to aninput of a NAND gate 312. Also, an address 6 signal 13801 is applied tothe other input terminal of NAND gate 312. Signal 63811 is at logic oneas described supra. If address bit 6 is at a logic one, then RAM 276shall perform the write operation. Master clear sequence signal 47006 isapplied to an input of an AND gate 275. Since signal 47006 is at a logiczero during the first master clear sequence, the output signal 27505 isat a logic zero. Logic zeros, therefore, are written into the RAM 276addresses defined by address bit 6.

Referring to FIG. 14S, signal 68311 and address 7 signal 13901 areapplied to a NAND gate 859. The output of enable signal 85906 is appliedto the write enable inputs of RAMs 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712,713, 714, 715 and 863.

Master clear sequence signal 47006, which is at logic zero is applied toAND gate 862. The output signal 86208, which is at a logic zero isapplied to the write input terminal of RAM 863. Logic zeros, therefore,shall be written into all address positions.

Data 6-15 signals 33901, 34001, 34101, 34201, 34301, 34401, 34501,34601, 34701, and 34801 are applied to the data input terminals of RAMs706 through 715. Since data 6-15 signals are normally at a logic one,logic ones shall be written into all 1024 addresses of RAMs 706 through715.

Referring to FIG. 14M, resistor networks 648, 649, and 650 hold the data01-15 signals 33401, 33501, 33601, 33701 and 33801 at a logic one levelduring the master clear cycle, no data is being received over thecommunication bus through receiver-drivers 232 through 238, FIG. 14B.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, signal 86108 is applied to OR gates 759, 737 and730. The output signals 75906, 73706 and 73003 are applied to the inputterminal of register 929. The output signals 92912, 92915 and 92916 areapplied to wired OR terminals 137, 138 and 139 of FIG. 14F. The outputsignals 13701, 13801 and 13901 are at a logic one to enable the writeoperation. The RAMs are initialized during the master clear operation asdescribed supra.

Referring to FIG. 14V, the 100 nanosecond delay signal 37406 is appliedto the input of an inverter 327. The output signal 32712 of the inverteris applied to the input of an inverter 326. Signal 32610, the output ofinverter 326, is also applied to the input of an inverter 762. Signal32712 is applied to a NAND gate 323. The other input is end pulse signal37712.

The master clear sequence flop 470, FIG. 14L, remains set until address1024 of the various RAMs have been cleared as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, when the count in counters 746, 745 and 744reaches 1024, the signal 74406 output of counter 744 is at a logic one.The signal is applied to the input of an inverter 316, FIG. 14L. Theoutput signal 31608 is applied to the reset terminal of flop 511 toreset the flop. Signal 31608 is also applied to the input of a NAND gate540 of FIG. 14N. The output signal 54008, at a logic one, is applied toan input of a NAND gate 582. In the 1024th cycle when the end pulsesignal 37712 and the local retry request signal 58306 are at a logicone, the two signals are applied to the input of NAND gate 582. Theoutput signal of the gate transitions to a logic zero which is appliedto the reset terminals of flop 581. Signal 58109 which is applied to theinput terminal of OR gate 469 of FIG. 14L is at a logic zero. Sincesignal 46908 is applied to the reset terminal of flop 470, the flop isreset. The master clear sequence thereby is completed.

When the master clear sequence is completed, flop 584 of FIG. 14N isreset to allow remote requests to come into the ISL system over thecommunications busses. Signals 74406, 47005 and 76208 are applied to theinputs of an AND/OR gate 286. The output signal 28608 is applied to aninput to an OR gate 293. The output signal 29308 is applied to the resetterminal of flop 584. Signal 76208 is the output of inverter 762, FIG.14V, and is the inversion of signal 32610 which is applied to the inputof inverter 762.

In describing the operation of the ISL unit in response to an outputcontrol command, reference shall be made to FIG. 14A. Instructions arereceived from the communication bus connector 105 as bus address signals10503 through 10510, 10512 through 10519, 10521, 10523 through 10525,10530 and 10532. The address O-23 signals are applied todriver-receivers 181 through 205 on FIG. 14C. Referring to FIG. 14J,address 8-16 signals 18900, 19010, 19103, 19214, 19306, 19410, 19603,19703 and 19810 are applied to comparators 302 through 310,respectively. The comparators 302-310 comprise the address comparator 99of FIG. 8. Also applied to comparators 302 through 310 are the signals10307, 10306, 10314, 10315, 10207, 10206, 10214, 10215, 10107 and 10114,which are the outputs of switches 101, 102 and 103. The switches aremanually set to a predetermined address. The output signals ofcomparators 302-310, signals 30208, 30303, 30411, 30506, 30611, 30703,30806, 30911 and 31008, are applied to the input of a NAND gate 439. Theoutput signal 43909 is applied to the CD input terminal of a flop 440.

Signal 24512 indicates that the information transfer is not a memoryreference bus information transfer. The signal is applied to the inputof AND gate 439. The signal 10444 is received on connector 104, FIG.14A, and is applied to driver-receiver 244 of FIG. 14B. The outputsignal 24414 is applied to the input of an inverter 245, and the outputsignal 24512 is applied to the input of AND gate 429. A bus data signal21401 is received on connector 105, and applied to wired OR gate 214.Signal 21815 is applied to driver-receiver 218, and the output signal21814 is applied to the input of an inverter 215 of FIG. 14I. The outputsignal 21510 is applied to a driver 216. The output signal 21606 ofdriver 216 is applied to the input of a delay line 328. The 60nanosecond output signal 35811 of the delay line is applied to AND gatebuffer 360 to produce signal 36008, which is applied to the clock inputterminal of flop 440 of FIG. 14J. This assures that the bus signals havereached a steady state and can be strobed. The ISL address signal 44006transitions to a logic one, and the signal 44005 transitions to a logiczero.

The bus address 18-23 signals 20006, 20103, 20206, 20314, 20410 and20510 are applied to the address selection terminals of a PROM 399, FIG.14K. Active signal 10115 and operational signal 53910 are also appliedto the address selection terminals of PROM 399. Active signal 10115 isthe output of switch 101, FIG. 14J. Each ISL in the system can be setactive or passive. The active state allows the ISL to perform certainadditional functions. Operational signal 53910 defined as the datatransfer mode if true and the ISL configuration mode if false, iscontrolled by a data bit one signal 33310, FIG. 14I. This is describedinfra.

Referring to FIG. 14L, bus address 18-20 signals 20006, 20103, 20206,20314 and 20410 are applied to the input of a NAND gate 131. If theaddress 18-22 are all at a logic zero, an output signal 13106 is at alogic one and is applied to an input of an AND gate 405. Address 23signal 20510 is applied to another input of AND gate 405. Active signal10105 and ISL address signal 44006 are applied to the other inputs ofAND gate 405. The output control signal is 40508.

Function code 01 signal 40508 is applied to an input of a NAND gate 394which generates a function initialize signal 39408. The data bit 0signal 22203 is applied to the other input of NAND gate 394 to indicatethat the output control is doing the subcommand initialize instruction.Function initialize signal 39408 is applied to the S input terminal offlop 531, and sets the flop to initiate the master clear sequence asdescribed supra. The only difference is that the master clear functionis initiated from a local communication bus instead of a power-onsequence.

Referring to FIG. 14H, the MYCLER (my master clear) signal 53109 isapplied to an input of OR gate 438. The output signal 43808 which is ata logic one is applied to an input of a register 631. The 135 nanoseconddelay signal 35809 is applied to the clock terminal of register 631.This forces output signal 63116 to a logic one. Signal 63116 is appliedto an input of a NOR gate 130. The output signal is applied to the Sinput of a flop 433, thereby generating an acknowledge signal 43305which is applied to driver-receivers 178 and 179 of FIG. 14C. The signalis transferred to the communication bus to acknowledge the receiving ofinformation from a sending source. The output control initializingcommand is always accepted and always acknowledged.

The subcommand stop puts the ISL in an ISL configuration mode, and thesubcommand resume puts the ISL in an information transfer mode.Referring to FIG. 14L, if the data signal 22203 is not at logic one, theoutput signal 39404 will be at a logic zero and the sequence describedsupra will not be implemented. Instead, the output of PROM 399 of FIG.14K will be used.

The output signals 39909 through 39912 of PROM 399 are applied to theinput terminals of a register 400. A strobe signal 36204 is applied tothe clock terminal of register 400. The PROM 399 is the PROM 102 of FIG.8.

The 90 nanosecond signal 35805 of FIG. 14I is applied to an input ofNAND gate 361. The ISL ready signal 44512, and the write bus enablesignal 64405 are applied to the other inputs of NAND gate 361.

Referring to FIG. 14K, the ISL address signal 44006 is applied to aninput of an AND gate 445. Also applied to the input of AND gate 445 isthe BSSHBC (second-half bus cycle) signal 26012 indicating a dataresponse to a read request. The second-half bus cycle signal 10412 isapplied to driver-receiver 259 of FIG. 14B from connector 104 of FIG.14A. The output signal is 25914. The test remote signal 53914 is atlogic one since the command is not a test mode instruction.

Referring to FIG. 14N, a 60 nanosecond delay signal 36008 is applied tothe clock input of a d-flop 644. The file write enable signal 39607 isapplied to the CD input terminal of flop 644. A multiplexer 396 selectsthe indication that the register, address file 103 or data file 92 ofFIG. 8, into which information is to be written is not full. In thiscase signal 58406, an input to multiplexer 396 indicates that the retryrequest full register is empty since flop 584 is not set. File selectsignals 40903 and 41106 are applied to the select terminals ofmultiplexer 396. At this time, both select signals are at a logic zero,and the zero input terminal of multiplexer 396 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, the second-half bus cycle signal 25914 isapplied to an input of a NAND gate 565, to an AND gate 409, and to aNAND gate 478. Bus reset lock signal 24102 is applied to inputs of ANDgate 409 and a NAND gate 476. Bus memory reference signals 24414 isapplied to the inputs of NAND gates 476 and 565. Bus address 18 signal20006 is applied to the input of NAND gate 478. Signal 47808, 56506 and47603 are applied to inputs of a NOR gate 411 to generate file writesignal 41106. File write one signal 40903 is the output of AND gate 409.Since this is not a second-half bus cycle or a bus memory cycle, signal25914 is at logic zero. Both file write select signals 40903 and 41106also are at a logic zero.

Referring to FIG. 14B, signal 10410 is applied to driver-receiver 240from connector 104, FIG. 14A. The output signal 24006, FIG. 14B isapplied to the input of an inverter 241 which generates output signal24102. Memory reference signal 10444 is applied to driver-receiver 244from comparator 104. FIG. 14A, and generates output signal 24414.

However, if the retry request full flop 584 of FIG. 14N is set, the ISLunit is busy. The ISL unit will not, therefore, accept a command. Thewrite bus enable signal 64405 thus is applied to the clock terminal of aD-flop 404, FIG. 14H. The local retry request full signal 58406 appliedto the CD terminal is at logic zero. The flop 404 will remain reset. Thefunction acknowledge signal 40409 is at a logic zero, and is applied tothe input termainsl of an AND gate 401 and a NAND gate 421. The inhibitwait signal 42103 is applied to an input of an AND gate 447. Comparesignal 31808 is applied to another input of AND gate 447. Since this isnot a compare cycle, signal 31808 is at a logic one. Local retry requestset signal 58506 is applied to an input of AND gate 447. Signal 58506 isan output signal of an AND gate 585, FIG. 14N. Input signals 40802 and41008 are at a logic one. Signal 40903 is applied to the input of aninverter 410, FIG. 14-0. The output signal is 41008. Signal 41108 isapplied to the input of an inverter 410. The output signal is 41008.

A retry signal 56608 is applied to an input terminal of AND gate 585 onFIG. 14N. Referring to FIG. 14K, signals 40712, 33006 and 44512 areapplied to the inputs of an AND gate 442. The ISL ready signal 44512 isat a logic one. The data parity error signal 33006 is at a logic onesince there is not a data parity error. The retry signal 56608 is theoutput of a NOR gate 566 on FIG. 14N. Signal 31704 is applied to theinput of NOR gate 566, and is at a logic zero since an ISL function OKsignal 44208 input to a NOR gate 317 is at a logic one.

The function OK signal 40712, FIG. 14K, is a decode of PROM 399. Thefour output signals 39909 through 39912 are applied to a NOR gate 406.As long as one of the signals is at a logic one, the output signal 40606is at a logic zero. The signal 40606 is applied to the input of aninverter 407. The output of the inverter is signal 40712 at a logic onelevel.

Referring to FIG. 14H, the ISL wait signal 44706 is applied to an inputof an OR gate 629. The output signal 62906 is applied to an input ofregister 631. The output signal 63102 is applied to an inverter 630. Theoutput signal 663006 is applied to the S terminal of a D-flop 453. Theoutput signal 45309 is at a logic one level, and is applied to thedriver side of a driver-receiver 263, FIG. 14B. The output signal 26302is applied to a wired OR gate 262, which is applied to connector 104 andsent out on the bus as signal BSWAIT-00.

Referring to FIG. 14H, signal 58406 is applied to the CD terminals andthe R terminals of flop 404. The write bus enable signal 84405 isapplied to the clock terminal, and sets flop 404 on the leading edge ofsignal 84405. Flop 404 is in a set state, thereby signalling anacknowledge signal to the bus as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, RAMs 161 through 166 which comprise the addressfile register 103 on FIG. 8, store bus address 0-23 signals. RAMs 364,177, 647, 365, 366 and 389 which comprise the data file register 92 onFIG. 8, store data 0-15 signals and controls bus signals.

The write select signals 40903 and 41106 select one of four locations ineach RAM, and in the selected locations the signals that are at theinput terminals of that RAM are stored. The write bus enable signal64406 is applied to the clock terminal of each RAM to clock the inputdata into each RAM.

At the time information is being written into the RAMs, the flop 644 andthe flop 584 of FIG. 14N are set. This occurs as a result of flop 581being set at the rise of signal 64405 during the 60 nanosecond delaysignal 36008 time period. Flop 584 thereupon is set by the DCN 135nanosecond delay signal 35602 since the signal 58109 is at logic one.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signals 92306, 27108, 83006 and 58109 of thecycle generator 146 of FIG. 8 are applied to the inputs of AND/OR gate388. Signal 92306 is at logic one since the ISL unit is not doing atransfer to the remote bus operation. Signal 63006 is at logic one sincea master clear sequence is not occurring. In addition, signal 27108 isat a logic one since no bus register operation is occurring and signal58109 is at a logic one level.

The output signal 38808 is applied to OR gate 608. Output signal 60808is applied to the CD input of flop 464. The output signal 60408 isapplied to the clock input of flop 464. Signals 37606, 17612, 57206 and46406 are applied as before described to the inputs of AND gate 604.Signals 37606, 46406 and 57206 are at a logic one level if the ISL unitis idle. Since the input signal 38808 to OR gate 176 is at logic zero,the output signal 17612 applied to AND gate 604 is at a logic one level.The flops 464 and 441 thereby are set to start an ISL cycle as describedsupra.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, master clear sequence signal 47005 and localcycle signal 46406 are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 369, and areboth at a logic zero level. When signal 46406 transitions to logic onethe output signal 36903, in the data file transmitter register 121 ofFIG. 8, transitions to a logic one level. The signal 36903 is applied tothe enable terminal of registers 367 and 368, which comprise the datafile transmitter register 121 of FIG. 8. As a result, the registeroutputs signals 36702, 36705, 36706, 36709, 36712, 36715, 36716, 36719,36802, 36805, 36806, 36809, 36812, 36815, 36816 and 36819. In addition,the register outputs signals 39102, 39105, 39106 and 39109. Thesesignals are applied to wired OR gates 332, 334 through 348 in FIG. 14F.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, the file read select signals 40211 and 40312select the location in the RAM containing the information to appear atthe output of the RAM. Signals 49104 and 90704 are applied to the inputsof a NOR gate 402, and are at logic one during the local retry requestcycle. Signals 49404, 49014 and 48502 are applied to the inputs of a NORgate 403. The inputs are at logic one level since the ISL unit is not inone of the cycles specified by the signals applied to NOR gate 403. Theoutput signal 40312 is at logic zero level.

The two read select signals 40211 and 40312 which are at a logic zerolevel, select location zero of the RAM. Location zero is defined as theretry request (RRQ) register. When the file write select signals 40903and 41106 were at logic zero levels during the communication bustransfer, information was written into location zero of the RAMs.

Referring to FIG. 14I, data signal 33401 is applied to an inverter 333.The output signal 33310 is applied to the input of a register 539.Timing signal 32610 and signal 39702 are applied to the input of a NANDgate 547. Referring to FIG. 14K, signals 41810 and 58306 are at a logicone level, and are applied to inputs of AND/OR gate 363. The outputsignal 36308 is applied to the enable terminal of a decoder 397 whichcomprises function code decoder 106 of FIG. 8. Since signal 36308 is ata logic zero, decoder 397 is enabled. Address 20-23 signals 15301,15401, 15501 and 15601 are applied to the input of decoder 397. In thiscase, the output control signal 39702 is selected since address 21signal 15401 is at a logic one level and the address 20, 22 and 23signals are at a logic one level. Referring to FIG. 14I, when timingsignal 32610 transitions to a logic zero, the output signal 54713applied to the clock terminal of register 539 causes the operationalsignal 53910 to transition to a logic zero if the data signal 33401 isat a logic one level. The ISL unit would therefore be in a stop logicstate. If the operational signal 53910 was at a logic one level, the ISLunit would be in an on-line logic state.

Referring to FIG. 14F, signals 40006, 40003, 40004 and 40005 are appliedto wired OR functions 153 through 156. Signals 40003 through 40006 areoutputs of register 400, FIG. 14K. Register 400 is enabled by signals41811 and 60306 which are applied to the enable terminals of register400. Signals 41811 is generated as an output of register 418. The signal44208 is applied to the input of register 418 as described supra.

Signals 64508 and 57205 are applied to inputs of an AND gate 603. Bothinput signals are at a logic zero level, and shall be described infra.Output signal 60305 is applied to a second enable terminal of register400, thereby storing the PROM 399 output. The PROM 399 is coded for theselected operation with signal 40003 at a logic one level. Signal 40003is applied to wired OR junction 154 of FIG. 14F, and the output signal15401 is applied to decoder 397 as described supra.

Bus address 17 signal 19914 is applied to an input of register 418 ifsignal 19914 is at a logic one level. The remote address signal 41807thereupon is selected as an output of register 418 to indicate that aremote ISL unit is addressed. If signal 19914 is at logic zero level,the local address signal 41806 is selected to indicate that a local ISLunit is addressed. The output control command is processed by both thelocal and remote ISL units regardless of the state of the bus address 17signal 19914.

The control signal 41815 output of register 418 is at a logic one levelfor the function code 01. Signal 41814 is applied to an AND gate 387.When the signal is at logic zero level, the output signal 38706 appliedto the input of a NAND gate 545 transitions to a logic zero level.Signal 41802 is also applied to the input of NAND gate 545. The signalwhich shall be further described infra is also at a logic zero level.The output signal 54513 is applied to an input of a NAND gate 906, FIG.14U. The local retry request cycle signal 58306 is applied to anotherinput of NAND gate 906. Both input signals 54513 and 58306 are at alogic one level. The output signals 90611 is applied to an input of anOR gate 763. The output signal of the gate transistions to a logic onelevel which is applied to the CJ input terminal of a JK flop 923. The CKinput, signal 86011, is at logic zero level since the master clear cycleis not completed.

The cycle 100 signal 76208 is applied to an inverter 761. The outputsignal 76108 is applied to the clock input of flop 923. This clocksignal is applied 100 nanoseconds into the ISL cycle. Flop 923 setindicates that a transfer operation is occurring from the local to theremote ISL. The flop remains set until the transfer is completed.

The transfer full signal 92305 is applied to the clock input of a D-flop919 thereby setting the flop. The output signal 91909 is applied to theinput of a NAND driver 920. The output signal 92008 is applied to theinput of a 125 nanosecond delay line 917.

The 37.5 nanosecond signal 91703 is applied to the input of an OR gate918. Output signal 91808 is applied to the reset input of flop 919thereby resetting flop 919 after being set for 37.5 nanoseconds.

The transfer cycle signal 91908 is applied to an input of a NAND gate897. Master clear sequence signal 86106 is applied to the other input ofNAND gate 897 and is at logic zero for this operation. The remote strobesignal 89701 is used in the remote ISL to strobe the data sent from thelocal ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14Z, which illustrates the ISL interface drivers 115and the remote address receivers 104 of FIG. 8, the transfer full signal92306 is applied to the clock terminals of multiplexers registers 832,835, 836, 838, 840, 842 and 846. Signals 82610, 86404 and 87311 areapplied to the input terminals of an OR gate 911 and are at logic one.The output signal 91108 is applied to the select terminals of themultiplexer registers 832 and 835, and is at logic one. Therefore, theinput signals applied to input terminal 1 are selected.

Signals 86404 and 87311 are applied to inputs of an OR gate 912. Outputsignal 91203 is applied to the select input of multiplexer register 836.Since in this case signals 86404 and 87311 are at logic one, the inputterminal 1 of multiplexer register 836 is selected.

Signals 43009 and 58306 are applied to inputs of a NAND gate 910. Theoutput signal 91003 is applied to the select terminal of multiplexerregister 840. Since in this case both signals 43009 and 58306 are atlogic zero, input terminal 1 of multiplexer register 840 are selected.

Multiplexer register 838, 840, and 842 are wired so as to select inputterminal one under all conditions. Address 0-23 signals 13201, 13301,13401, 13501, 13601, 13701, 13801, 13901, 14001, 14101, 14201, 14301,14401, 14501, 14601, 14701, 14801, 14901, 15001, 15101, 15301, 15401,15501 and 15601 are stored in the multiplexer registers 832, 835, 836,838, 840, 842 and 846.

Referring to FIG. 14AA, which illustrates the ISL interface drivers 139and the remote data receivers 116 of FIG. 8, signal 92306 is applied tothe clock input of multiplexer registers 849, 851, 853 and 855. Signal92806 is applied to the select inputs of multiplexer registers 851 and853. The select inputs of multiplexer register 849 and 855 are wired toselect input terminal ones. Select signals 92806 is the output of an ANDgate 928. FIG. 14W. Signals 59012 and 92505 are applied to the inputs ofAND gate 928. Since both input terminals are at logic zero for thisoperation the input terminal one of multiplexer/register 851 and 853 ofFIG. 14AA are selected.

The data multiplex 0-15 signals 78307, 78409, 78507, 78609, 78707,78809, 78907, 79009, 79107, 79209, 79307, 79409, 79509, 79607, 79709 and79807 are applied to the input terminals of multiplexer registers 849,851, 853 and 855.

Referring to FIG. 14T, signals 78111 and 78208 are applied to the selectone and select two terminals of multiplexers 783 through 798, whichcomprise the internal data multiplexer 129 of FIG. 8. Signals 42410 and80108 are applied to an OR gate 781 which generates output select signal78111. Signals 82010 and 80108 are applied to the inputs of an OR gate782 which generates output select signal 78208. Since the inputs to ORgates 781 and 782 are at logic zero, the 0 inputs of multiplexers 783through 798 are selected. Data 2-15 signals 33501, 33601, 33701, 33801,33901, 34001, 34101, 34201, 34301, 34401, 34501, 34601, 34701 and 34801are applied to input terminal 0 of multiplexer 785 through 798respectively. Signals 93012 and 93009 are applied to input terminal 0 ofmultiplexers 783 and 784 respectively. Signals 93012 and 93009 areoutputs of a multiplexer 930. Data 0 and 1 signals 33201 and 33401 areapplied to input terminal 0 of multiplexer 930. Signal 82706 is appliedto the select terminal of multiplexer 930 and is at logic zero for thisoperation. Enable signal 80108 is applied to the enable terminal ofmultiplexers 783 through 788 and is at logic zero thereby enabling themultiplexers 783 through 788. Multiplexers 789 and 798 are alwaysenabled.

At this point address and data information has been received by thelocal ISL over the communications bus and stored in registers. Theaddress and data signals will be sent out over the intra communicationsbus to the remote ISL by means of the ISL interface drivers 115 and 139of FIG. 8.

As an example, referring to FIG. 14AA, the output of MUX register 849, asignal 84912 through 84915 are applied to the input of a driver 848. Theoutput signals 84803, 84805, 84807 and 84809 are applied to a bank ofterminating resistors 651, FIG. 14AC. The output of resistor bank 651,signals 65111 through 65114, are applied to terminals of a connector 660which is the ISL intra communications bus. Referring to FIG. 14AA, theoutput of multiplexers 851, 853 and 855, are connected to the ISL intracommunications bus through drivers 850, 852 and 854, through resistorbanks 651, 652 and 653, FIG. 14AC, to connector 660.

Connectors 660 and 663 signal lines transmit information to the remoteISL. Connector 661 and 662 signal lines receive information from theremote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14U, signal 92305 is applied to the clock terminal ofa register 813. The input signals 86404, 90002, 87612 and 90910represent the four ISL cycles, memory request, retry request, memoryresponse and retry response, as described supra. The ISL cycle beingdescribed is the local retry request RRQCYL cycle. In this case, signal90002 is at logic zero. The output signal 81307 is at logic zero and isapplied to the input of a driver 814, FIG. 14AB, for transmission to theremote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14AB, AC ground signal 67708 is applied to the Fterminal of a receiver-driver 733. This receiver-driver is alwaysenabled if the ISL cables between the local and remote ISL are pluggedin their respective ISL's. Signal 67708 is the output of an inverter677, FIG. 14AC. A capacitor 667 and a resistor 668 are connected to theinverter 677 input. Plus 5 volts is applied to the other terminal ofresistor 668. Ground is applied to the other terminal of capacitor 667.

In the remote ISL, an AC ground signal 66201 is connected to pin 1 ofconnector 662 and is wired through the cable to the local ISL connector663 in pin 1 which is connected to ground. When the cables are connectedthe ground at pin 1 of cable 663 appears at the input of inverter 677and causes the output AC ground, signal 67708 to go to logic 1 andtherefore enables the receiver number 733 on FIG. 14AB, (in the remoteISL) if the cable is disconnected between the twins (two ISL's), thenthe AC ground signal on pin 1 of connector 662, which is signal 66201,will be pulled high by resistor 668 and causes the AC ground signal67708 to go to logic 0. This signal at logic 0 inhibits the outputs ofthe remote receiver 733, FIG. 14AB. Therefore, if the cables areconnected the remote strobe signal number 73307 is applied to the clockinput of a JK flop 874, FIG. 14V, which is set by the trailing edge ofthe strobe signal.

In the remote, output signal 87409 is applied to the input of an ANDgate 799. Signal 62088 is applied to the other input of AND gate 799.Since signal 62008 is at logic one, the output signal 79911 is at logicone. Signal 79911 is applied to an input of an AND gate 812, FIG. 14AB.Signal 67708 is at logic one since the cables are connected, thereforethe generate enable signal 81208 is at logic one. Signal 81208 isapplied to the enable terminal of receiver driver 815. The signal 66222input was generated in the local ISL. The output signal 81509 is appliedto the input of an inverter 816. The output signal 81606 is applied toan input of an AND/NOR gate 578, FIG. 14V.

Signals 93214 and 92306 are applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 578 andare at logic one.

The remote pending output signal 57808 is applied to an input of an ANDgate 558. Signal 87407 is applied to the other input of AND gate 558 andis at logic zero. The output signal 58803 at logic zero is applied to aninput of an AND gate 571. Compare signal 27909 is applied to the otherinput of AND gate 571 and is at logic zero since this is not a comparecycle. Signal 57106 is applied to the input of a NOR gate 176. Outputsignal 17612 at logic one is applied to an input of AND gate 604. Thisresults in the ISL cycle as described supra.

In this case, however, remote cycle flop 572 sets instead of local cycleflop 464. Also, since flop 464 does not set, register 490 remains emptyand cycle signals 58306, 59012, 48603 and 49303 remain at logical ZERO.Instead, on FIG. 14U, the remote cycle signal 90201 is generated.

Signals 81509 and 57206 are applied to the input of a NAND gate 902. Theoutput signal 90201 is the RRQCYR signal defining the remote retryrequest cycle in the remote ISL.

If we are not in the information transfer mode, AND gate 573 of FIG.14V, output signal 57304, at logic one, is applied to an input of an ANDgate 880, FIG. 14AB. AC ground signal 67708 is applied to the otherinput. Output signal 88006 is applied to the enable terminal of receiver803, on FIG. 14V. Signal 56108 is applied to the input of an inverter876. Output signal 87602 is applied to an input of an AND gate 878 onFIG. 14AB. Ground signal 66201 is applied to the other input. Outputsignal 87803 is applied to the enable input of drivers 882 and 884, FIG.14Z. The driver-receivers 889, 890, 891, 892, 818 817 on FIG. 14AA anddriver-receiver 809 on FIG. 14AB, are enabled in a similar manner todriver-receiver 803. Also, in FIG. 14Z, driver-receiver 881-886 areenabled by the REMOTE signal to receiver the ISL intra communicationsbus information.

The address and data lines and some control lines have been transferredfrom the local ISL to the remote ISL, and an ISL cycle has beeninitiated in the remote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14K, remote signal 56108 is applied to the input of anAND/NOR gate 363. Signal 93214 is applied to the other input of AND/NORgate 363. As described supra, the decoder 397, function code decoder 106of FIG. 8, is enabled.

Output control signal 39702 is selected as before since the addresssignals 15301, 15401, 15501 and 15601 were received over the intracommunications bus from the other ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14V, delay line 374 generates the end cycle signal37407 which is applied to inverter 377. The output signal 37712 isapplied to the NAND gate 323. Signal 32712 is also applied to NAND gate323. The output signal 32306 is applied to the input of an OR gate 463.The output signal 46306 is applied to an OR gate 291 which generates theclear remote signal 29111 which resets flop 572 thereby concluding theremote cycle portion of the output control instruction. The finaltermination of the instruction will take place in the local ISL. Thetransfer done signal 92206 as generated in the remote ISL by the CYC100signal 76208 and the remote cycle signal 57205 at AND gate 922 will bereceived at the local ISL through the receivers previously mentioned.

Referring to FIG. 14U, in the local ISL, signal 73303 is applied to theinput of a NOR gate 739. The output signal 73913 is applied to the resetterminal of flop 923 thereby resetting the flop.

The flop 923 was originally set when the information transfer betweenthe local and remote ISL was started.

Referring to FIG. 14V, the signal 92306 is again applied to AND/NOR gate388 and 578 to enable another ISL cycle to take place in the local ISLthereby enabling the local ISL to accept another command from the bus.

The output interrupt control instruction loads interrupt informationinto the ISL so that when an interrupt is initiated, the centralprocessor can be interrupted at the level designated.

Referring to FIG. 14N, flop 581 is set as described supra. The signal64405 which sets flop 581, also clocks the address, data and controlinformation received over the bus into the address and data registerfiles on FIG. 14Q, as described supra. Signal 58109 is applied to theinput of register 490, FIG. 14V, as before.

Referring to FIG. 14K, signals 41810 and 58306 applied to AND/NOR gate363 enable output signal 36308 thereby enabling decoder 397. As beforePROM 399 is addressed and the information at the addressed location isstored in register 400. The output of register 400 is applied to thewired OR junctions of FIG. 14F and applied to the decoder 397 inputterminals. In this case, output interrupt control signal 39710 isselected, signal 39710 is applied to an input of an AND gate 551. Signal57508 is applied to the other input of AND gate 551 and is at logicalZERO. The output signal 55106 is applied on FIG. 14M to an input of aNAND gate 825. Timing signal 32610 is applied to the other input of NANDgate 285. Output signal 82504 is applied to the clock terminals ofregisters 819 and 857, the interrupt channel register 132 and interruptlevel register 134 of FIG. 8.

Data 6-8 signals 33901, 34001 and 34101 are applied to the inputs ofregister 819 and data 10-15 signals 34301, 34401, 34501, 34601, 34701and 34801 are applied to the inputs of register 857 thereby completingthis cycle portion of the instruction. Local cycle flop 464, FIG. 14V,is reset as described supra.

If this instruction was initiated by the local ISL then in FIG. 14N,flog 584, RRQ full, will reset as described supra.

If the remote ISL is to process the output interrupt control instructionthen in the local ISL he BSAD17 signal 19914 input to register 418, FIG.14K, at logical ONE forces the remot address signal 41807 to logical ONEand the local address signal 41806 is at logical ZERO. The output of ANDgate 387, signal 38706 is at logical ZERO forcing the output of NANDgate 545, signal 54513, to logical ONE. This forces the output of ANDgate 575, signal 57508 to logical ONE. This forces the output of ANDgate 551, signal 55106 to logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14M, signal 55106 at logical ONE forces the output ofNAND gate 825, signal 82504, to logical ZERO preventing information frombeing loaded into registers 819 and 857.

In this case, the local ISL will transfer the information to the remoteISL. Referring to FIG. 14U, signal 54513 at logical ONE forces theoutput of NAND gate 906, signal 90611, to logical ZERO which forcessignal 76308 to logical ONE. This sets flops 923 as described suprathereby generating the local ISL to remote ISL information transfercycle.

The rest timer instruction enables a number of timers in the local ISL.The output timer signal 39717 is generated as logical ZERO by thedecoder 397, FIG. 14K, and is applied to an input of an AND gate 553.Since this is a local operation, the remote function signal 57508 whichis applied to the other input of AND te 553 is at logical ZERO. Theoutput signal 55311 at logical zero is applied to the input of aninverter 554. The output signal 55404 at logical ONE is applied to theinput of a NAND gate 280, FIG. 14X. The 50 nanosecond delay timingsignal 32502 is applied to other input of NAND gate 280. The outputsignal 28008 is applied to the clock terminal of a register 914, part ofthe mode control register 135 of FIG. 8. The output signals of register914 enable a number of timer conditions. When one of these timerconditions times out, the output timer instruction is used to reset thetimer to inhibit further time out errors.

Output signal 91407 is the watchdog timer enable gate signal. Thewatchdog timer is a one second timer which is used in conjunction withsoftware to determine whether a device is not responsive tocommunication from the ISL. Output signal 91402 resets the watchdogtimer. Output signal 91410 is the timer enable signal. The time-outenable signal tests if a device may have a hardware fault. Output signal91415 is the interrupt enable reset signal. The interrupt enable resetsignal tests for non-existent resources. This interrupt would be sensedduring a memory write operation or after a memory time-out.

During the master clear sequence as well as during one of the abovetimer operations the output clear signal 55208 is at logical ONE wheneither signals 28008 or 47006 which are applied to the input of a NORgate 552 are at logical ZERO. This signal will enable the clearing ofall timers in the ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14Y, the timer and status unit 133 of FIG. 8, data 3signal 33601 and output clear signal 55203 are applied to the input of aNAND gate 600. All data 9-15 signals are at logic one during the masterclear sequence.

The output clear signal 60006 is applied to the reset input of a D-flop599, the retry time-out flop, thereby resetting the flop. The operationof flop 599 will be described infra.

Similarly, output clear signal 55203 and data 0 signal 33201 are appliedto the inputs of a NAND gate 506. The output signal 50608 is applied tothe reset terminal of a D-flop 505 thereby resetting the flop. Flop 505set indicates that no response was received from memory. This operationis described infra.

Output clear signal 55203 and data 1 signal are applied to the inputs ofa NAND gate 460. Output signal 46011 is applied to the reset terminal ofa D-flop 459, thereby resetting the flop. FLop 459 set indicates and I/Odevice time-out.

Referring to FIG. 14X, output clear signal 55203 and data 2 signal 33501are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 635. The output signal 63503 isapplied to the reset terminal of counters 636 and 637 thereby resettingthe counters. These counters 636 and 637 are a part of the watchdogtimer control. The operation of the watchdog timer control is describedsupra.

The output address instruction unlike the previously describedinstructions does not affect the remote ISL. The output addressinstructions will not only be issued to the local ISL since all addressis controlled by the local ISL which we will get into. The outputinstruction will load an address into the local ISL. This addressinformation will include a channel address and/or a memory address. Theoutput address instruction wll select one of the address locations.

Referring to FIG. 14K the output address instructions select the signal39706 output of function code decoder 397. On FIG. 14Q, whichillustrates the RAM counter 118 and RAM controller register 108 of FIG.8, signals 39706 and 50 nanosecond delay timing signal 32404 are appliedto the input of a NAND date 743. Output signal 74310 is applied to theclock terminal of register 758 and to the input of an inverter 742. Theoutput signal 74212 is applied to the G1 terminal of RAM counters 744,745 and 746, thereby enabling the data inputs of the counters.

The register 758 is loaded with data 3-5 signals 33601, 33701 and 33801which is the write enable control for the three RAMs (CP translator,memory translator and channel bit).

Counter 744 is loaded by data 6, 7 signals 22901 and 34001. Counter 745is loaded by data 8-11 signals 34101, 34201, 34301 and 34401 and counter746 is loaded by data 12-15 signals 34501, 34601, 34701 and 34801.

The output address instruction is completed with RAM counters 744, 745and 746, loaded with the address of the locations that will be read ormodified and the register 258 storing the write enable bits for the RAMselection.

The output data instruction is used in conjunction with the outputaddress instruction. Using the address locations and the RAMs that werespecified in the output address instruction, the data received from thecommunications bus during this instruction will be stored in the RAMs atthe specified address.

Referring to FIG. 14K, the output signal 39715 of decoder 397 is forcedto logical ZERO. As described supra, signal 39715 and remote functionsignal 57508, both at logical ZERO are applied to the input of AND gate643. The write RAM signal 64303 at logical ZERO is applied to the inputof NOR gate 639.

The write enable signal 63908 is at logical ONE. On FIG. 14V, signal63908 and 50 nanosecond delay timing signal are applied to the inputs ofAND gate 638. This forces write memory signal 63811 to logical ZERO.

Referring t FIG. 14Q, signals 53910 and 56108 are applied to the inputof AND gate 748. Output signal 74808 is applied to the enable terminalof registers 741 and 929 thereby enabling the address stored in RAMcounters 744, 745 and 746 to the output of the registers. The outputsignals from RAM control register 108 of FIG. 8, signals 74102, 74105,74106, 74109, 74112, 74115, 74116, 74119, 92905, 92906, 92909, 92912,92915, and 92916 are applied in FIG. 14F to the wired OR terminals 137through 149.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, the output of register 758 is applied to OR gates730, 737 and 759. The outputs 73003, 73706 and 75906 determine the RAMinto which the address stored in registers 741 and 929 is written.Signal 73003 is the memory translation write enable output. Signal 73706is the channel write enable output and signal 75906 is the CPtranslation write signal. It is therefore possible to write into anycombination of RAM's.

Signals 73003, 73706 and 75906 are also stored in register 929.

Signals 75906, 73706 and 73703 appear on the address bus in the ISL asaddress signals 13701, 13801 and 13901 respectively. Signal 13701 isapplied to the input of NAND gate 760, FIG. 14W. Signal 63811 is theother input to NAND gate 760 and the output signal 76003 is applied tothe write enable terminal of RAMs 757 and 754, the CP source anddestination RAMs 131 and 113 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 14R, signals 13801 and 63811 are applied to the inputsof NAND gate 312. The output signal 31206 is applied to the write enableterminal of RAM 276, the channel hit bit RAM 142 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 14S, signals 13901 and 63811 are applied to the inputsof NAND gate 859. The output signal 85906 is applied to the write enableterminals of RAMs 706 through 715 and 883, the memory translation andhit bit RAM 125 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, at the end of the instruction RAM counters 744,745 and 746 are incremented by signal 74711 which is applied to the +1clock terminal of the counter 746. Signal 39715 input to NOR gate 908 isat logic zero therefore output signal 90812 is at logic zero. Sincesignal 90002 is also at logic zero, output signal 74003 is at logiczero. Since the end pulse signal 37606 is at logic zero, the outputsignal 74711 at logic zero increments counter 746 at the end of the ISLcycle when signal 97606 goes to logic one, counters 745 and 746incremented by the ripple carry signals 74612 and 74512 respectively,described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14N, the RRQ full flop 584 is reset by the inputsignals 76208, 56803, 47006 and 57611, to AND/NOR gate 286 being atlogic one.

For the remote operation of the output mask data instruction, the outputmask address only is issued through the local bus so that if an outputmask data instruction is to be issued to a remote bus the address willbe sent over to the remote bus in the same manner as described supra viathe address bus and the data and other functions will be coming from thedata file as described supra.

For writing in the remote ISL RAMs the address and data information fromthe local ISL is sent to the remote ISL, the counter in the remote ISLis not used to control the address of the RAMs, the information fortheaddessing always comes from the local ISL.

The input interrupt control is received from the inter communicationsbus exactly as the output instructions are received, however, referringto FIG. 14K, the PROM 399 output signal 39909, is at logical ONE. Thesignal 39910 is applied to the input of register 400. The output signal40005 is applied to wired OR terminal 156 in FIG. 14F. Signal 15601 atlogical ONE is applied to the input of decoder 397, FIG. 14K. Outputsignal 39709 is at logical ZERO.

Also, signals 19914, 44208 and 44508 are applied to the inputs ofregister 418. Output signals 41806, 41810 and 41814 are at logical ONE.These signals are applied to the input of AND gate 387. The outputsignal 38706, at logical ONE, is applied to the input of NAND gate 545.Output signals 54513 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of a NORgate 613. The output signal 61306 is forced to logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14N, flops 581 and 584 are again set and a local ISLcycle is initiated as described supra. The address and data informationon the communications bus is stored in the register files of the localISL.

The intent of this instruction is to read the two registers 819 and 857,FIG. 14M. The register 819 contains the CP channel address and register857 contains a level at which the interrupt is controlled. Theinformation from register 819, the interrupt channel register 132 ofFIG. 8, and from register 857, the interrupt level register 134 of FIG.8, is placed on the communications bus.

Signals 81902, 81907, 81910, 81915, 85715, 85702, 85710, 85707, 85705and 85712 are applied to the terminal 3 inputs of internal datamultiplexers 789 through 798, respectively, of FIG. 14T. Ground signalsare applied to the terminal 3 inputs of terminal data multiplexer 783through 788. Signals 38709 and 42708 are applied to inputs of a NOR gate801. Signal 39709 is at logic zero. The output signal 80108 at logic oneis applied to the inputs of OR gates 781 and 782. The output signals78111 and 78208, at logic one are applied to the 1 and 2 selectterminals respectively of multiplexers 783 through 798 thereby selectingthe 3 terminal input to the multiplexers.

Signals 78907, 79009, 79107 and 79209 are applied to input terminal 0 ofa multiplexer 780, FIG. 14W, data multiplexer 137 of FIG. 8. The outputsignals 78004, 78007, 78009 and 78012 are applied to the input terminal1 of MUX 526, FIG. 14G, and is selected for this instruction. Outputsignal 78609, 78307, 78507, 78409, 78809, 78707, 79307, 79509, 79607,79709 and 79807 are applied to input terminal 1 of MUX registers 525,527 and 528, FIG. 14G, which comprise the data multiplexer register 138of FIG. 8. AND/NOR gate 524 output signal 52408, at logic one is appliedto the select terminal of MUX registers 525, 526 and 527 therebyselecting the input terminal 1. Signals 52408 and 42709 are at a logicone level, and are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 372. The outputof the gate transitions to a logic one which is applied to the selectterminal of MUX register 528.

Referring to FIG. 14G, signals 15202, 61306 and 58306 are applied to theinput of a NAND gate 465. The address 20 signal 15202 indicates an inputinstruction being performed.

Output signal 46508 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of a NORgate 378. The output signal 37806 is at logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14D, signals 76208 and 37806, at logical ONE, areapplied to the inputs of an AND/NOR gate 278. The output signal 27808 isapplied to the clock terminals of MUX registers 525 through 528, FIG.14G.

The output signals 52514, 52512, 52513, 52515, 52613, 52612, 52614,52615, 52712, 52714, 52713, 52715, 52814, 52815, 52813 and 52812 areapplied to parity generators 521 and 522 which generate parity signals52109 and 52209.

Referring to FIG. 14D, signals 27808 and 56406 are applied to inputs ofan OR gate 562. The output signal 56211 is applied to the input of aninverter 563. The output signal 56308 is applied to the clock terminalof an ISL request flop 450. Signal 45009 and bus busy signal 20804 areapplied to the inputs of a NAND gate 533. If the bus is not busy, outputsignal 53303 which is applied to the set input terminals of a my requestflop 534, sets the flop.

Signal 56211 is also applied to the clock terminal of the ISLUOK flop446 thereby setting the flop, thereby enabling the bus priority networkby signal 44609 at logical ONE being applied to a NAND gate 520. If allof the input conditions of NAND gate 520 are met, then the output signal52009 is applied to the set terminal of a my data cycle now flop 517,indicating that the ISL is putting information out on the communicationbus.

The output signals of MUX registers 525 through 528, FIG. 14G, and theparity generators 521 and 522 are applied in FIG. 14B to the inputs ofDRVR-RCV's 219, 220, 222 through 238. The my data channel now signal isapplied to the other inputs of the DRVR-RCV's and gates the informationonto the bus.

Referring to FIG. 14N, the ISL cycle is terminated as described byresetting the RRQ full flop 584, when the signals 76208, 56803, 47006and 57611 inputs to AND/NOR gate 286 are at logic one and resetting flop581 when signals 37712, 58306 and 54008 which input NAND gate 582 are atlogic one.

The remote interrupt control instruction is similar to the localinterrupt control instruction except that the BSAD17 signal 19914 inputto register 418, FIG. 14K, is at logical ONE. Output signal 41806 atlogical ZERO is applied to the input of AND 387. Output signal 38706 isa logical ZERO forcing output 45413 to logical ONE, forcing outputsignal 61306 to logical ZERO.

Referring to FIG. 14G, the signal 61306 input to NAND gate 465 forcesoutput signal 46508 to logical ONE forcing the enable signal 37806 tological ZERO. Signals 37806 and 76208 are applied to the input ofAND/NOR gate 278, FIG. 14D. Signal 37806 at logical ZERO forces theoutput signal 27808 to logical ONE thereby disabling the clock input toMUX register 525, 526, 527 and 528.

The remote ISL will generate an ISL cycle and will send the data back tothe local ISL as specified by the instructions.

As in previous remote ISL cycles, decoder 397, FIG. 14K will generatethe signal 39709 which in turn will generate the remote request cycle inthe remote ISL. However, the remote ISL sends the data back to the localISL in the following manner.

Referring to FIG. 14U, signals 15301 and 90112 are applied to the inputsof a NAND gate 905. Output signal 90504 at logical ONE is applied to theinput of an AND gate 822. Signal 93214 is applied to the other input ofan AND gate 822. Since this is the remote ISL, signal 93214 at logicalONE, was generated by the local ISL and sent to the remote ISLindicating that it was a remote function code.

Output signal 82208 is applied to the input of a NAND gate 924. Endpulse signal 37606 is applied to the input of an inverter 800. Theoutput signal 80002 is applied to the other input of AND gate 924.Output signal 92408 goes low at the end of the remote cycle therebysetting flop 923. This flop being set initiates the transfer cycle fromthe remote ISL to the local ISL as described supra.

Signal 82208 is applied to an input of a NOR gate 909. Signal 59012 isapplied to the other input of NOR gate 909. Output signal 90910 isapplied to an input of register 813. Signal 92305 is applied to theclock input of register 813.

In FIG. 14U, the signal 81314 is sent back to the local ISL. In FIG.14V, signal 81503 is generated and applied to a NOR gate 269. The outputsignal 26912 is applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 578. Signal 27108is applied to the other input of AND/NOR gate 578. This initiates theremote cycle back to the local ISL as described supra.

The initial cycle in the local ISL was a remote input cycle. The cycleoriginating from the local ISL was sent to the remote ISL to initiate anRRQCYR within the remote ISL. The RRQCYR cycle in the remote generatesan RRSCYR (response) cycle in the local ISL. The local ISL initiates anRRSCYL to send out on the bus the data received from the remote duringthe RRSCYR cycle in the local ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14N, in the local ISL, signal 81503 received from theremote ISL and signal 57206 are applied to inputs of NAND gate 597, theremote response output signal 59710 is applied to an input of an OR gate592. Signal 46108 is applied to the other input of OR gate 592 and is atlogical ZERO. The output signal 59211 at logical ONE indicates theremote response cycle (RRSCYR).

As described supra, the data bus and address bus in the local ISL willreflect the remote address and data receivers from the other half ISL.So in this case, the data that is going to be present on the data buswill be the interrupt channel and level data that was put on thetransmitters and fed to these receivers from the remote ISL.

The data bus has the proper data during this remote cycle in the localISL. This data is fed through the data multiplexers 783 through 798 ofFIG. 14T, which comprise data multiplexer 129 of FIG. 8. Unlike thelocal input interrupt control, at this point in time, the function codedecoder output is invalid since this is a response cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14T, signals 29709 and 42708 are now at logical ONEand input NOR gate 801. Therefore, the select signals 78111 and 78208are at logical ZERO thereby selecting input terminal 0 of MUXs 789through 798. This selects the data 6-15 signals 33901, 34001, 34101,34201, 34301, 34401, 34501, 34601, 34701 and 34801 reflecting theinterrupt channel and level data sent from the remote ISL to the localISL.

At this point, all the cycles described have been ISL cycles whichenable function code decoders. Now the RRSCYR cycle or the retryresponse remote cycle will not initiate any function code decode.Referring to FIG. 14K, the signal 36308 enable input to decoder 397 isat logical ONE. Therefore, a remote function code is not generated foran RRSCYR cycle back to the local ISL. The data and address informationwill be sent out on the bus as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14N, the RRQ flop 584 was reset an the RRQ TO DO flop581 was reset in the original RRQCYL cycle as in an output command orthe initial input command via gate 582. During the RRQCYL cycle at endpulse time, we would reset the RRQ TO DO flop 581. The RRQ FULL flop 584is the function that keeps this path busy, therefore flop 581 resettingat this time will not affect the operation since it cannot set againuntil the RRQ FULL signals 58405 and 58406 are returned to their normalstate with flop 584 not set.

Referring to FIG. 14K, register 418 is reset by the signal 56011 outputof an OR gate 560. The register 418 is therefore reset at the same timeflop 584, FIG. 14N, is reset thereby clearing out all the controlfunctions which were set into register 418 at the initiation of thisinstruction.

The input mask data instruction basically is going to read the hit bitinformation of RAM 142 of FIG. 8. It will read the memory addresstranslation and hit bit of RAM 125 of FIG. 8. It will be reading the CPUdestination translation RAM 131 of FIG. 8. The input data command isalways preceded by an output address instruction or command except wherecontiguous locations are read. One input data instruction is followed byanother input data instruction. But somewhere there had to be an outputaddress instruction which would load the address of the startinglocation to be read into RAM counter 118, of FIG. 8. This is the RAMcounter which feeds the RAM counter control register 108, the output ofwhich is used to address the RAMs indicated in the RAMs 142, 125 and 131as just described. The address information is used to address the RAMsand the data from these RAMs are transferred to the data bus for thelocal or remote ISL to which the instruction is issued. Now to brieflycover the cycling of a local ISL input data instruction it will consistof a communication bus cycle to present the instruction and then it willtake an internal ISL cycle which in this case would be an RRQCYL cycle,and then followed by another communication bus cycle. So there is onlyone internal ISL cycle for a local input data instruction. The remoteinput data instruction will require three internal ISL cycles. The firstcycle is an RRQCYL cycle which will sent to the remote ISL the addressof the RAM location to be read. During this cycle, the RAM address willbe sent to the remote ISL along with the function code which has beendescribed supra, to generate the second cycle, an RRQCYR cycle in theremote ISL. This data in turn will be collected from the remote ISLRAMs, analogous to RAMs 142, 125 and 131 as described supra in FIG. 8.The data will be sent back to the local ISL where a third cycle, theRRQCYR cycle will be generated. Following the RRSCYR cycle, the data isplaced on the communications bus for transfer to the CPU that requestedthe data. Most of the logic of the instruction has been covered whendescribing the input interrupt control instruction. The main differenceis in the function code decoder output which selects the propermultiplex inputs to steer the data to the data bus to send the data tothe selected communication bus whether from the local or remote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14N, flops 584 and 581 are set as described supra.Signal 58506 at logical ONE is applied to the CJ input of flop 581 andclock signal 66405 sets flop 581. Signal 58109 applied to the CJ inputof flop 584 causes RRQ full flop 584 to set on the fall of clock signal35602. This prevents other commands from being accepted by the ISL usingthe retry path.

As described supra, the ISL will upon detection of a retry request todo, generate an ISL cycle. And the ISL cycle starts the timing chainthrough delay line 374, FIG. 14V, and sets a local ISL cycle regardlessof whether it is a local or remote instruction at this time. The localcycle will generate, if the instruction is addressed to the local ISL,the timing and data paths to send the data to the communication busdrivers. Referring to FIG. 14K, the function code output decoder 397generates an output signal 39714 for an input data instruction. Theinput data function code on the communication bus when issued will be afunction code 10. This function code 10 along with the proper controlbit configuration is applied to the PROM 399. The output of this PROM399 is an encoded internal function code and this is stored intoregister 400. The output of register 400 as previously described will bepresented on the address bus during the RRQCYL cycle that we aregenerating, and the function code on the input to the decoder 397 willenable the input data function 39714. This function, if being issued tothe local ISL will attempt to read the data from the specifiedregisters.

During the input data, the data MUX's in FIG. 14T will gather all theappropriate data through the various registers. Input data signal 39714is applied to the input of an inverter 820. The output signal 82010 isapplied to the input of OR gate 782. Output signal 78208, the MUXselector 2 signal is at logical ONE. MUX selector 1 signal 78111 is atlogical ZERO since both inputs to OR gate 781 signals 42410 and 80108are at logical ZERO since this is not input interrupt control orinterrupt cycle.

Therefore, input terminal 2 of MUX's 783, 784, 785 and 786 are selected.The input data are the CP destination translator RAM function signals75411, 75409, 75407 and 75405. These are the outputs of RAM 754, FIG.14W.

Referring to FIG. 14W, MUX 749 output signals 74904, 74907, 74909 and74912 are applied to the address selection terminals of CP destinationRAM 754.

Signals 59012 and 92505 are applied to AND gate 928. Since this is notan RRSCYL cycle, the output signal 62806, at logical ZERO is applied tothe select terminal of MUX 749. Therefore the address 14-17 signals14601, 14701, 14801 and 14901 are selected.

Referring to FIG. 14Q, the output of the RAM counters 744, 745 and 746are applied to the inputs of registers 741 and 929 which comprise theRAM control register 108 of FIG. 8. Since this is an ISL configurationmode and non-remote operation, the signals 53910 and 56108 which areapplied to the input of AND gate 748 are at logical ZERO. The outputsignal 74808 at logical ZERO enables registers 741 and 929. The selectedoutputs of these registers are reflected at the input address selectionterminals of RAM 754, FIG. 14W as described supra.

The counters 744, 745 and 746, FIG. 14Q, were previously loaded from anoutput address instruction.

Referring to FIG. 14R, channel mask RAM 276, which stores the channelhit bit has its address selection input terminals selected by MUX's 313,314 and 315. Signal 53911 is applied to the select terminal of MUX's313, 314 and 315. Since this is a configuration mode cycle, the signal53911 is at logical ONE thereby selecting input terminal 1. These areaddress bits 8-17 signals 31509, 31504, 31512, 31507, 31412, 31409,31404, 31407, 31304 and 31312.

The channel hit bit 27607 output of RAM 276 is applied to input terminal2 of MUX 787, FIG. 14T. Memory hit bit 86307 is applied to inputterminal 2 of MUX 788. It is the output of RAM 863, FIG. 14S. The inputaddress 0-9 selection signals 47507, 47409, 47307, 47312, 47309, 47304,47204, 47209, 47212 are generated as the outputs of MUX's 472-475, FIG.14R. Input select 1 and 2 signals 48112 and 53911 are at logical ONE.Since this is not a memory reference nor is the ISL in the data transfermode, therefore input signals 24414 and 53910 of gate 481 are at logicalZERO. The output of the NAND gate 481 is at a logical ONE.

Therefore, address 8-17 signals 14001, 14101, 14201, 14301, 14401,14501, 14601, 14701, 14801 and 14901 are selected. Therefore, outputsignal 86307 of RAM 863, FIG. 14S, the memory hit bit is selected.

The memory translation RAMs 706 through 715 output signals 70607, 70707,70807, 70907, 71007, 71107, 71207, 71307, 71407 and 71507 are applied tothe terminal 2 inputs of internal data MUX's 789 through 798respectively, FIG. 14T. RAMs 706 through 715 are addressed by thesignals addressing memory mask hit bit RAM 863, FIG. 14S.

For a local input data instruction, the data from the MUXs 783 through798, FIG. 14T, is transferred to the terminal 1 input of MUX registers525 through 528, FIG. 14G, which are the bus interface multiplexerregisters 138 of FIG. 8.

As described supra, select signal 52408 selects the signals at the inputterminal 1 of MUX registers 525 through 527 and select signal 37208selects the signals at the input terminal 1 of MUX register 528.

The remainder of the operation for a local input data instruction is asdescribed supra for transferring the information out on thecommunication bus at the conclusion of the RRQCYL cycle.

The remote input data instruction is identical to the operation asdescribed supra for the input interrupt control. That is, during theRRQCYL cycle a transfer cycle is generated which generates a remotestrobe to the remote ISL. The remote ISL will use this signal togenerate a remote cycle. This remote cycle will be an RRQCYR cycle aspreviously described and the main differences are that rather than thedata MUX, the channel address and memory translation RAMs getting theiraddresses from the RAM counter control as described supra, the remoteISL will be getting its address from the remote address receivers, whichis box 104 on FIG. 8. So therefore the address inputs to the channel hitbit RAM on FIG. 14R, and memory translation RAMs on FIG. 14S and the CPtranslation RAMs on FIG. 14W, will still come from the address bits asdescribed supra, and the output of these RAMs will be fed to the dataMUX as for the local, and the output of the data MUX rather than goingto the communication bus data MUX registers on FIG. 14G, will go to thelocal data drivers of FIG. 14AA. The multiplex registers 849, 851, 853and 855 will receive the data MUX outputs and get stored in thisregister at the transfer full time, which was previously described. Thissignal, 92408 gate 924 output, FIG. 14U, is the signal that happens atthe 100 nanosecond delay signal of the remote cycle if the data is to goto the local ISL. The data must be sent back to the local ISL thereforethese four MUXs will receive the data which is sent back to the localISL twin. Now the local ISL as described supra will receive a signal togenerate an RRSCYR cycle. This RRSCYR cycle as described supra will takethe data from the remote ISL send it to the communication bus registerand in turn generate a communication bus cycle and send this data backto the CP that requested the data initially.

The input status intruction of the ISL unit is described. The ISL inputstatus command will be identical as far as the cycle logic and thetiming is concerned, to the other input commands to the ISL. Only theRRQCYL cycle will take place if the instruction is for the local ISL. Ifthe instruction is for the remote ISL, three cycles will be performed,the RRQCYL local ISL cycle, the RRQCYR remote ISL cycle following by theRRSCYR local ISL cycle. The only differences are as follows.

Referring to FIG. 14K. signal 39711 is selected as the output of deocder397. Signal 39711 is applied to the input of an inverter 424. Outputsignal 42410 at logical ONE is applied to the input of OR gate 781, FIG.14T. The select 1 input signal 78111 at logical ONE selects the inputterminal 1 of MUXs 783 through 798. Select 2 signal 78208 is at logicalZERO. Therefore, the the signals at input terminal 1 are selected fortransfer to the communication bus and then to the requesting centralprocessor.

These input data signals (ISL status bits) to MUXs 783 through 798 arereferenced in Table 11. Data bit 0 (input signal 87203, MUX 783) is theoperational bit, this is the bit 0 which indicates whether the ISL is ina data transfer or configuration mode. Data bit 1 (input signal 89309,MUX 784) indicates if there was an interrupt requested from a remote ISLtwin. It indicates both watchdog timeout or a rather non-existentresource error.

Rather than explaining all the individual status bit inputs at thistime, we will just complete the data flow of the instruction and uponcompletion we will show what each of the individual status bits pertainsto of FIG. 14T.

As described supra, the data outputs of MUXs 783 through 798, FIG. 14T,is applied to the bus MUX registers 848, 851, 853 and 855, FIG. 14AA,for the local ISL input status instruction. A communication bus cyclewill be generated and the status information sent to the requestingcentral processor.

The remote input status instruction is identical to the remote inputdata and input interrupt control instructions. The information will besent out on the bus from the remote ISL to the local ISL from where itis sent out on the communication bus to the requesting centralprocessor.

Following are the functions the status bits perform in the ISL timer andstatus unit 133 of FIG. 8. The first status bit to data MUX 0 on FIG.14T, is the operational bit signal 87203. Referring to FIG. 14I, signals62806 and 53910 are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 872. Signal62806 at logical ONE indicates that the other ISL, remote or local, islinked into the system and power applied.

Signal 66243 is connected to the ISL interface bus by connector 662 FIG.14AC and is applied to an input of driver 736, FIG. 14AB and to apull-up resistor 665 to +5 volts. Therefore if either ISL isdisconnected or powered down, the signal 66243 is at logical ONE.

Output signal 73612 is applied to the input of an inverter 628, FIG.14J. The output signal 62806 is applied to the input of AND gate 872.Signal 53910 is at logical ONE and the output signal 87203 at logicalONE is applied to the input terminal 1 of MUX 783, FIG. 14T.

Driver 913, FIG. 14AB, has a ground signal applied to the input. Theoutput signal 91318 is applied to connector 663 terminal and then to theother ISL thereby supplying the ground signal for the interconnectedISL's.

Referring to FIG. 14T, the remote interrupt stored signal 89309 isapplied to input terminal 1 of MUX 784. The data MUX bit 1 signal 78409is generated as an output.

Referring to FIG. 14X, non-existent memory signal 87112, watchdog timesignal 91616, time-out signal 91402 and remote interrupt enable signal91415 are applied to the inputs of an AND/NOR gate 895. Output signal89508 at logical ZERO indicates that there was a remote interrupt ortime-out and is applied to the set terminal of a D-flop 893 which setsthe flop.

Referring to FIG. 14Y, the end pulse signal 37712 and the status signal42410 at logical ONE are applied to inputs of a NAND gate 609. Theoutput signal 60906 is applied to the input of an OR gate 295. A masterclear signal 83006 is applied to the other input. The output signal29506 at logical ZERO is applied to the reset terminal of flop 893, FIG.14X, thereby resetting the flop after the status is read.

Referring to FIG. 14T, the input terminal 1 of MUX 785 is tied to groundor logical ZERO, the status signal for Data MUX bit 2, signal 78507 istherefore at logical ZERO. Data MUX 3 signal 78609 is generated by theactive signal 10115 applied to MUX 786. This signal 10115 is the outputstate of the hexadecimal rotary switch 101, FIG. 14J, indicating thislocal ISL unit is active when at logical ONE or passive when at logicalZERO.

Data MUX bit 4 signal 78707 output of MUX 787 and data MUX bit 5, signal78809, are at logical ZERO since the respective terminal 1 inputs ofMUX's 787 and 788 are at logical ZERO.

The watchdog time-out function, data MUX bit 6, signal 78907 is theoutput of MUX 789. Signal 91502 is applied to the terminal 1 input ofMUX 789. Referring to FIG. 14X, 50 cycle AC or 60 cycle AC signal 10435from connector 104, FIG. 14A, is applied to the input of an RC filterresistor 112, FIG. 14X. The other terminal of the resistor signal 11202is wired to a 0.01 microfarad capacitor 113 and is applied to the inputof a Schmitt Trigger inverter 261. The other terminal of capacitor 113is wired to ground. The output of Schmitt Trigger inverter 261, signal26102, is applied to the input of an AND gate 634. The watchdog timerenable signal 91407 and the watchdog time-out signal 63712 are appliedto the other inputs of AND gate 634. The watchdog timer enable signal91407 is set during the output timer instruction described supra. Thewatchdog time-out signal 63712 prevents a time-out cycle if the previouscycle had timed out. The output signal 63406 is applied to the G2 enableterminal and the clock terminal of counter 636. Output signal 63602 isapplied to the G2 enable and clock terminals of a counter 637. Theoutput signal 63712 is applied to the input of AND gate 634 as describedsupra and to the input of an inverter 915. Output signal 91502 isapplied to the terminal 1 input of MUX 789. The watchdog timer is resetby signal 63503 being at logical ONE within approximately one second ofthe start of the operation of the counters 736 and 737, then thetime-out signal 91502 is generated. The resetting of counters 736 and737 was described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14T, data MUX bit 7, signal 79009 is the output of MUX790, the terminal 1 input of MUX 789 is at ground or logical ZERO.

The data MUX bit 8 signal 79107 is the output of MUX 791. The retrytime-out signal 59905 is applied to the terminal 1 input of MUX 791. Theretry time-out signal 59905 is forced to logical ONE if during an I/Ocommand to a controller on the remote ISL bus, an ACK signal 16001 or aNAK signal 24901 is not received within 120 milliseconds of theinitiation of the command thereby indicating a device fault to thecentral processor initiating the command. The generation of signal 59905was described supra.

Data MUX bit 9 signal 79209 is the output of MUX 792. The I/O time-outsignal 45909 is applied to the terminal 1 input of Mux 792. The I/Otime-out signal 45909 is at logical ONE when an I/O command issued to acontroller on a remote bus, has acknowledged the fact that it receivedthe command, and that a second-half bus cycle from this device should beforthcoming and the second-half bus cycle is not forthcoming within 250milliseconds. That is, providing the enable for the timers via theoutput time instruction had been set to the true state as describedsupra.

Data MUX bit 10 signal 79307 is the output of MUX 793. The memorytime-out signal 50509 is applied to the terminal 1 input of MUX 793. Thememory time-out signal 50509 is at logical ONE if a second-half buscycle is not forthcoming within approximately 6 microseconds providingthe first-half bus cycle was acknowledged. The operation of the flop505, FIG. 14Y was described supra.

Data MUX bit 11 signal 79409 and data MUX bit 12, signal 79509, therespective outputs of MUXs 794 and 795, FIG. 14T are at logical ZEROsince the terminal 1 inputs to the MUXs 794 and 795 are at ground. DataMUX 13 signal 79607 is the output of MUX 796. The non-existent resourcesignal 86905 is applied to the terminal 1 input of MUX 796. This signal86905 is at logical ONE if during a memory write operation the memorylocation addressed did not exist in the system.

Referring to FIG. 14I, the bus NAK signal 24814 is applied to the inputof a register 413. The output signal 41307 is applied to the input of aNAND gate 544. The memory write signal 52306 and the memory requestsignal 51505 are also applied to the inputs of NAND gate 544. The outputsignal 54408 at logical ZERO is applied to the set input of a D-flop869, FIG. 14T, thereby setting the flop indicating that the memorylocation addressed by the remote ISL does not exist.

Data MUX bit 14 signal 79709 is the output of MUX 797. The ISL parityerror signal 44409 is applied to the terminal 1 input of MUX 797. Thissignal is at logical ONE any time a command issued to the ISL containsbad parity. Referring to FIG. 14B, the bus data 0-15 signals are appliedto the inputs of parity generators 232 and 239. The odd parity outputsignals 23206 and 23906 are applied to the inputs of a NOR gate 221. Theoutput signal 22108 is applied to the other input of OR gate 331. BSREDDsignal 25403 indicates that the source detected bad parity beforesending the data out on the bus. Signal 33108 is applied to the CD inputof a D-flop 444 FIG. 14Y which sets on the clock timing signal 36204 ifbad parity was detected.

Data Mux bit 15 signal 39807 is the output of MUX 798, FIG. 14T, and isat logical ZERO since the terminal 1 input to MUX 298 is at ground.

The input ID command instruction is different in initiation than theother input commands in that it makes no difference whether it is issuedto the local or remote ISL. The cycle is the same. That is, only onecycle is involved, and that will be a local RRQCYL cycle. The ID that isreturned for an ISL is either going to be a hexadecimal 2402 in the casewhere the local and remote ISL are both connected and powered up, and ifthe remote ISL is not electrically connected, then the ID returned willbe a hexadecimal 2400.

Referring to FIG. 14K, the output of PROM 399 is applied to the input ofAND gate 419. The output signal 41906 is applied to the input ofregister 418. The output signal 41802 is applied to the input of NANDgate 545. This signal 41802 at logical ONE inhibits the output signal54513 from generating a remote cycle. Also the decoder 397 generates theoutput signal 39716. Signal 39716 is applied to the select inputs ofMUXs 435 and 436, FIG. 14J, which select the ID function code ofhexadecimal 24.

Signals 42304 and 62806 are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 417.Signal 42304 is the ID code/decode function and is at logical ONE.Signal 62806 was described supra as being at logical ONE when the remoteISL is connected and powered up. The output signal 41711, the ID bit 14,at logical ONE gives a hexadecimal 2 for the last hexadecimal digit.Therefore, the ID code is hexadecimal 2400 for a local ISL beingoperative and hexadecimal 2402 for the local and remote ISL beingoperative.

Referring to 14G, signal 42304 at logical ONE is applied to the input ofAND/NOR 524. The output signal 52408 at logical ZERO, is applied to theselect terminal of MUX registers 525, 526 and 527, thereby selecting theterminal 0 inputs of MUX registers 525, 526 and 527. Select 52408 isapplied to the input of AND gate 372, data multiplexer-register 138 ofFIG. 8. Output signal 37208 at logical ZERO is applied to the selectterminal of MUX register 528 thereby selecting the terminal output.

The input signals 43504, 43410 and 43507 to MUX register 525 are atlogical ZERO and input signal 43509 is at logical ONE. The input signal43512 of MUX register 527 is at logical ZERO and input signal 43604 isat logical ONE. Input signals 43609, 43612 and 43607 of MUX register 526are at logical ZERO. The output signal 52615 is at logical ZERO sincethe terminal 0 input is grounded. Signals 52908 and 86606 are applied tothe input of an OR gate 513. Both signals are at logical ZERO since theyare associated with a non-ID function transfer. Output signal 51303which is applied to the input of MUX register 527 is at logical ZERO.

The output of an OR gate 514, signal 51406, at logical ZERO, is appliedto the input of MUX register 527. The input to OR gate 514, signal53006, is associated with a memory transfer and an interrupt as is atlogical ZERO. Output signals 52814 and 52815 are at logical ZERO sincetheir respective input terminals to MUX register 528 are at ground.Signal 41711 describes either a local ISL operation of a local and aremote ISL operation as described supra.

Output signal 52812 is at logical ZERO since the input terminal to MUXregister 528 is at ground during the RRQ cycle. The clock bus signal27808 is generated as described supra which loads the ID into registers735-738 thereby generating communication bus cycle and sending that IDto the central processor requesting the data. This is shown in FIG. 8whereby the information in hex rotary switch 140 is sent directly to thedata multiplexer register 138. That essentially completes the ISLconfiguration mode.

Referring to FIG. 14K, the output signals 40003 through 40006 areapplied to the wired ORs 153-156, FIG. 14F, to connect address 20-23signals 15301, 15401, 1550l and 15601. The register 400, FIG. 14K, isenabled by signals 41811 and 60306 at logical ZERO. Signal 41811 wasdescribed supra.

Signals 64508 and 57205 are applied to an AND gate 603. Signals 64508and 57205 are at logical zero since this is not a remote cycle nor atransfer to do cycle. Output signal 60306 is applied to the enable inputof register 400 and it is at logical ZERO.

In the information transfer mode the ISL will use all theconfigurational data that was loaded in the ISL configuration mode. Thefirst cycle covered is the memory request path which takes four cycles.The MRQCYL cycle is the initial cycle following the detection of thememory cycle by the ISL, next is the MRQCYR cycle, which happens in theremote ISL, now if this were a memory write instruction the cycle flowwould discontinue at this point. It would just be the MRQCYL followed bythe MRQCYR where the data would be written into a memory on the remotebus. But if it were a memory read then the ISL would remain in the busystate for the memory request path and await a memory response cycle.Then there would be a memory response cycle local MRSCYL which would beon the remote side from the original MRQCYL followed by a MRSCYR whichwould be back on the original local side where the original command wasissued. The memory request makes the initial request and then we waitfor a response from the memory. This would come through the remote viaan MRSCYL to an MRSCYR back to the local. That's the basic flow, twocycles for a write and four cycles for a read. During the BSDCNN cyclethe ISL responds as an agent to the memory request that is presented tothe communication bus from a local device. This is done during DCN time,and referring to FIG. 14-O the select logic for writing into a registerfile location is done via a NAND gate 476. The gate 476 has as itsinputs BSMREF, signal 24414, which is communication bus generatedsignal, and function BSLOCK signal 24102, which is another communicationbus generated signal. The BSLOCK signal indicates that it is not a testand set instruction to a memory, the BSMREF signal indicates that thisis a memory instruction. Non-test and set locks are described infra.

BSMREF signal 24414 and BSLOCK signal 24102, both at logical ONE, areapplied to the input of NAND gate 476. The output signal 47603 isapplied to the input of NOR gate 411. The output select 2 signal 41106is at logical ONE. Signal 41106 is applied to the input of inverter 410.Output signal 41008 is at logical ZERO. Signal 25914 at logical ZERO isapplied to the input of AND gate 509. The output select 1 signal atlogical ZERO is applied to the input of inverter 408, output signal40802 is at logical ONE. Therefore, for a memory request, location 2 ofthe RAMs on FIG. 14-O are selected. Previously, location 0 was selectedfor the ISL configuration mode inputs.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signal 48706 is applied to the input of MUX 396.Select signals 40903 and 41106 are applied to the select terminals ofMUX 396 and select the terminal 2 input. Output signal 39607 is appliedto the CD terminal of flop 644 and when clock signal 36008 is applied,60 nanoseconds into the DCN cycle, flop 644 sets and output signal 64405is applied to the clock input of a JK flop 483. Signals 54808, 40802 and41106 at logical ONE are applied to the input of an AND gate 489. Signal54808 is the output of an AND gate 548, FIG. 14I. Signal 86307, theoutput of memory hit RAM 863, FIG. 14S, and signal 62606 is at logicalONE since this is an information transfer mode and not a test operation.

Output signal 48912 is applied to the CJ terminal of flop 483. Outputsignal 48305 is applied to the CD input of a D-flop 487. At 135nanoseconds into the cycle, flop signal 35712 which is applied to theclock terminal, sets flop 487, signal 48705, which inhibits any furthertraffic through this location in the D file.

Output signal 48706 is applied to the set input of flop 487 to keep theflop set in case other DCN signals 35712 are applied to the clockterminal.

Referring to FIG. 14S, the output of the memory translation RAMs 706through 715, signals 70607 through 71507 are applied to the inputs ofregister 716 and 717. Signal 48305 is applied to the clock terminals ofregister 716 and 717 and when signal 48305 goes to logical ONE, the RAMsignals are stored in the registers.

Referring to FIG. 14H, signals 86307, 24414 and 41106 at logical ONE areapplied to the inputs of an AND gate 477. The output signal 47706 andsignal 46209 are applied to the inputs of an AND gate 484. Signal 64406is applied to the clock terminal of a JK flop 462. Output signal 46209is at logical ONE. Output signal 48408 is applied to the input ofregister 631 which is clocked by signal 35809 at 135 nanoseconds intothe cycle. The output signal 63115 is applied to the input of NOR gate130. The output signal 13005 at logical ZERO is applied to the setterminal of D-flop 433, thereby setting the flop. The flop settingcauses an acknowledge signal to be sent out on the communication busthereby completing the DCN cycle.

At the start of the memory read memory request operation, the time-outfor a memory cycle is started. Referring to FIG. 14Y, signal 48305 isapplied to clock terminal of a D-flop 617. Since this is a memory writeoperation, signal 26610 is at logical ZERO and flop 617 will not set.For a read operation, flop 617 sets and signal 61706 is applied to anegated input of a 6 microsecond one-shot. Signal 48603 at logical ONEis applied to the assertive input of one-shot 611.

The memory request cycle is started as follows. Referring to FIG. 14V,signal 48306 is applied to an input of a NOR gate 645. Output signal64508 at logical ONE is applied to an input of AND/NOR gate 388. Sincesignal 92306 is at logical ONE, output signal 38808 at logical ZERO willset the local cycle flop 464 and the ISL cycle flop 411 as describedsupra. Signal 46405 clocks signal 48305 into register 490. The memoryrequest store signal 49002 goes to logical ONE and signal 49003 goes tological ZERO. Signal 49002 is applied to the input of AND gate 486 andif this is not a memory response cycle, signal 49014 at logical ONE,then the memory request cycle signal 48603 at logical ONE and signal48502 at logical ZERO, is initiated. The memory request cycle as in allthe cycles shown in the ISL configuration mode activates delay line 374and the cycle continues as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14N, the logic for terminating the memory requestcycle for the various states on the local side follow.

In order to reset the memory request full flop 487, signal 48502 atlogical ZERO and timing signal 32610 are applied to inputs of a NANDgate 482. The output signal 48201 at logical ONE, is applied to theinput of an AND/NOR gate 488. File write signal 36609 at logical ONE isapplied to the other input of AND/NOR gate 488. The output signal 48808at logical ZERO is applied to the input of an OR gate 283. The outputsignal 28306 at logical ZERO resets flop 487. The other input to OR gate283 is the master clear signal 83006 at logical ONE. Flop 487 is resetif the ISL is doing a memory write operation. The flop 487 would notreset if the ISL were doing a memory read operation.

Signal 48201 is applied to the input of NOR gate 282. Output signal28204 is applied to the reset terminal of flop 483 thereby resettingflop 483. This would terminate in either case the MRQ TO DO will go offat time 100 of a memory request cycle but only if it were a memory writeoperation will the MRQ full go off. If this were a read operation theMRQ full flop would still be set. In order to transmit the informationfor the MRQ cycle to the remote ISL, a transfer full JK flop is set. Asdescribed supra, referring to FIG. 14U, the memory request cycle signal86404 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of NOR gate 763. Theoutput signal 76308 is applied to the CJ terminal of flop 923 which setson the fall of clock signal 76108, loads all the data and address linesinto the local address and data drivers to drive the data to the remoteISL. The data path is as follows.

Referring to FIG. 14-O, the signals which were written into location 2of the register file at DCN time are selected by the read select signals40312 and 40211.

The memory response cycle signal 49014 and the retry response signal90704, both at logical ONE, are applied to the input of NOR gate 402.Read select 1 signal 40211 is applied to the read terminal 1 of thefile. The memory request cycle signal 48502 at logical ZERO is appliedto the input of NOR gate 403. Read select 2 signal 40312 at logical ONEis applied to read terminal 2 of the file Location 2 of the file whichstores the address data and control signals pertaining to the memoryrequest cycles.

Referring to FIG. 14T, the input select signals 78111 and 78208 are atlogical ZERO thereby selecting the terminal 0 input of MUXs 783 through798. Also, the select signal 82706 is applied to the select input of MUX930. Since the select signal 83706 is at logical ZERO, the terminal 0input of MUX 930 is selected.

Referring to FIG. 14-O the DFIL0-15 output signals files 364, 177, 647,365, 366 and 389 are applied to the inputs of registers 367 and 368. TheDFIX0-15 output signals of registers 367 and 368 are transferred ontothe data bus.

Signal 16803 is applied to the enable input of files 161 and 162 and isgenerated as the output of an OR gate 168. The RRQCYL signal 58305 isapplied to the input of a NAND gate 169. Since this is not an RRQ cycle,the signal 58305 is at logical ZERO therefore the output signal 16908which is applied to the input of OR gate 168 is at logical ONE. Theinformation transfer mode idle signal 54906 is applied to the otherinput of OR gate 168 is at logical ONE since this is not an idle cycle.The output signal 16803 at logical ONE prevents the files 161 and 162output signals from being selected.

The MRQ cycle signal 48502 is applied to the input of an OR gate 167.Since this is the MRQ cycle, that signal 48502 is at logical ZERO, theoutput signal 16708 is at logical ZERO. Signal 16708 is applied to theenable terminals of files 163, 164, 165 and 166, thereby enabling theoutput AFIL08-23 signals. Output AFIL0-7 signals are not enabled.

Referring to FIG. 14S, the register 716 stores the memory translationaddress 0-7 signals which are the outputs of the memory translation RAMs705 through 713. Also, register 717, the translation address 8, 9signals which are the output of RAMs 714 and 715. Therefore, during thememory request cycle the address translation memory ADXLM0-9 signals areapplied to the inputs of the terminal 0 inputs of MUX 832, 835 and 836,FIG. 14Z. The MUX registers 832, 835, 836, 838, 840, 842 and 846 are allclocked by the fall of the transfer full signal 92306. Select signal91108 is at logical ZERO since the memory request cycle signal 86404, aninput to OR gate 911 is at logical ZERO thereby selecting the terminal 0input signals of MUXs 832 and 835. Similarly, signal 91203 selects theterminal 0 input of MUX 836 since the signal 86404 input to OR gate 912is at logical ZERO. Signals 72001 through 72901 are selected by MUXregisters 832, 835 and 836 and are applied to the inputs of drivers 833,834 and 837 as address LCAD0-9 signals for transfer to the bus. Outputsignals 83612 and 83613 are applied to the inputs of drivers 847 and844, FIG. 14AB, respectively, for transfer to the bus.

The select inputs to MUX registers 838, 842 and 846 are at logical ONEthereby selecting the terminal 1 inputs. The select input of MUXregister 840 signal 91003 is also at logical ONE since this is not anRRQ cycle, therefore signal 58306, an input to NAND gate 910, is atlogical ZERO.

Address signals 14201, 14301, 14401, 14501, 14601, 14701, 14801, 14901,15001, 15101, 15301, 15401, 15501 and 15601 are applied to terminal 1inputs of MUX registers 838, 840, 842 and 846. Also, the file locksignal 36407 and the file write signal 36609 are applied to terminal 1inputs of MUX register 846. The output address LCAD 10-23 signals areapplied to the inputs of drivers 837, 839, 841 and 843 for transfer tothe remote ISL over the ISL interface bus. Signals 84613 and 84615 areapplied to the inputs of driver 844 for transfer over the ISL interfacebus.

Referring to FIG. 14U, the register 813 is set on the rise of thetransfer full signal 92305. The memory request cycle signal 86404 atlogical ZERO is applied to the input terminal of register 813. Theoutput signals 81302 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of driver814, FIG. 14AB. The output signal 81409 is applied to the input ofresistor netowrk 655, FIG. 14AC. The output signal 65515 is applied toconnector 663 for transfer of the signal to the remote ISL. The signal66220 comes into the remote ISL to connector 662, FIG. 14AC and signal66220 is applied to the input of RECV/Driver 815, FIG. 14AB. The outputsignal 81507 is applied to the input of OR gate 269, FIG. 14V. Theoutput signal 26912 at logical ONE is applied to the input of AND/NORgate 578. Assuming the bus full signal 27108 is at logical ONE at thistime, then the output signal 57808 is at logical ZERO.

The signal 57808 is applied to the input of AND gate 558. The outputsignal 55803 is applied to the input of AND gate 571. The output signal57106 is applied to the input of NOR gate 176. The output signal 17612is applied to the input of AND gate 604. The output signal 60408 isapplied to the clock terminals of flop 441 which sets the flop. Also,the remote cycle flop 572 sets.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signals 81507 and 57206 are applied to the inputsof a NAND gate 865. The MRQ cycle remote signal 86513 is at logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 57205 at logical ONE is applied to OR gate561. Remote signal 56108 is at logical ONE, the remote signal is apliedto the drivers 881 throgh 886, FIG. 14Z, drivers 803, 809, FIG. 14AB anddrivers 889 through 892, FIG. 14AA. The information from the local ISLis received through these drivers into the remote ISL.

The address and data information has been received from the local ISL bythe remote ISL. The address information includes the first 10 bits fromthe memory translator in the local ISL. The remaining address bits werereceived by the local ISL from the central processor and sent to theremote ISL. The data information, signals 33401 through 34801, isreceived from the local ISL by the remote ISL and is transferred to theterminal 0 inputs of MUXs 783 through 798, FIG. 14T. The outputs of ORgates 781 and 782, signals 78711 and 78206 are at logical ZERO for thiscycle. Data 1 and data 2 bits are selected through the terminal 0 inputof MUX 930.

The MUX 783 through 798 output DTMX0-15 signals reflect the datatransferred from the local ISL. Referring to FIG. 14C, with respect tothe address signals received from the local ISL, address 8-11 signals,14001, 14101, 14201 and 14301 are applied to the terminal 0 inputs ofMUX 157, address 12, 13, 18 and 19, signals 14401, 14501, 15001 and15101 are applied to the terminal 0 inputs of MUX 158. Address 20-23,signals 15301, 15401, 15501 and 15601, are applied to the terminal 0inputs of MUX 160. Address 14-17, signals 14601, 14701, 14801 and 14901are applied to the terminal 1 input of a MUX 731, FIG. 14M. The outputsignals 73107, 73109, 73112 and 73104 are applied to the terminal 0inputs of MUX 159. Referring to FIG. 14E, since this is not a interruptcycle, a signal 42709 will be logical ZERO enabling the MUXs 157-160outputs to reflect the inputs. The address inputs, terminal 0, will beselected as this is not a second half bus cycle and MUX select signal37806 will be logical ZERO. The output of MUXs 157-160 are connected tothe inputs of registers 508 and 509. Register 507 inputs address 0-7 arereceived directly from the address bus and since this is not aninterrupt cycle, reset signal 42708 will be high.

The data multiplex signals DTMX 0-15 outputs of MUXs 783 through 798,FIG. 14T, are applied to the terminal 1 inputs of MUXs 525, 527 and 528,FIG. 14G and terminal φ MUX 780, FIG. 14W. On FIG. 14G, the MRQCYRsignal 86513 and the file write remote signal 39310 is applied to theinputs of AND/NOR gate 524. The output signal 52408 at logical ONEselects the terminal 1 inputs of MUXs 525, 526 and 527. Signal 37208selects the terminal 1 input of MUX register 528. File write signal80701 at logical ONE Is applied to the input of an inverter 393. Theoutput signal 39310 is at logical ZERO. The output signals of MUX 780,FIG. 14W, 78004, 78007, 78009 and 78012 are applied to the 1 terminalinput of MUX register 526, FIG. 14G.

If the remote were doing a read operation and the file write signal80701 is at logical zero, therefore signal 39310 is at logical ONE. Theoutput signal 52408 is at logical ZERO thereby selecting the terminal 0inputs of MUX registers 525, 526, 527 and 528. Select signal 37208 is atlogical ZERO.

Therefore, referring to FIG. 14J, the output signals generated from thehexadecimal rotary signals 101, 102 and 103 are reflected at theterminal 0 inputs of MUX registers 525 through 528, FIG. 14G.

Bit 10, signal 51303, is generated by the output of OR gate 513. TheMRSBIT 86606 is applied to the input of OR gate 513. Referring to FIG.14AA, the FILWRT signal 80701 at logical ZERO is applied to the inpt ofan inverter 806. The output signal 80612 is applied to the input of anAND gate 868. The MRQCYR signal 86573 at logical ONE is applied to theother input of AND gate 866. The output signal 86606 is at logical ONEfor a read operation and is at logical ZERO for a write operation whichis reflected in the signal 51303 input to MUX register 527. Therefore,for a read operation, the my data bit 9 signal 52615 is at logical ZERO.My data bit 10 signal 52713 is at logical ONE, my data bit 11 signal52715 is at logical ZERO, my data bit 12 signal 52814 is at logicalZERO, my data bit 13 signal 52815 is at logical ZERO, my data bit 15signal 52812 is at logical ZERO.

Referring to FIG. 14D, clock signal 76208 and MRQCYR at logical ONE areapplied to inputs of AND/NOR gate 278. At the 100 nanosecond delay timeoutput signal 27808 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of aninverter 279. Output signal 27908 at logical ONE is applied to the clockterminals of registers 507, 508, and 509, FIG. 14E and to the MUXregisters 525 through 528, FIG. 14G. Clock bus signal 27908 also sets aD-flop 271. Referring to FIG. 14V, bus full signal 27108, the input ofAND/NOR gate 578 prevents another remote ISL cycle from starting.

Previously we mentioned what would happen if everything was normalwithin the system and the memory request cycle was acknowledged on theremote bus but there are various things that can happen if it is notacknowledged, if there is a NAK response, the NAK can be caused byeither a non-existant device, a parity error or a defective memory. TheNAK could be generated by the memory itself or any one of a number oftime outs on the communication bus. In the communication bus logic thereis a bus time out function. If the cycle is assigned to a non-existentdevice, there will be no response. Within 5 microseconds the centralprocessor on that bus will respond in lieu of the non-existent devicewith a NAK. This frees up the bus for other traffic. The CP on that buswould generate an internal trap to that cycle and perform a softwaresubroutine. If there is no CP on the remote bus then the ISL willgenerate this NAK on behalf of the non-existant device. Now there aretwo methods of generating the NAK. The first method is if the ISL isgenerating or if the ISL sees a DCN on the bus that is not its own DCN.D-flop 268, FIG. 14Y is set. DCND 60 signal 36008 is applied to theinput of a one shot 612. If the one shot 612 is not reset before 7microseconds by the communication bus DCNB signal 21306 then a signal61204 is generated and applied to flop 268 at set the flop. If thesignal 36008 which is applied to the CD input of the flop 268 is stillat logical one. Referring to FIG. 14H, the bus time out signal 26806 isapplied to the input of an OR gate 274. The output signal 27411 atlogical zero will set D-flop 449. On FIG. 14B, the output signal 44909is applied to the input of a DRVR-RCV 247 thereby generating the BSNAKRsignal 24901. Referring to FIG. 14Y, the second method of generating theNAK response is as follows. Sixty nanosecond delay DCN signal 36008 andthe my data cycle now signal 51707 we applied to the inputs of a threemicrosecond one shot 100. The output signal 10012 is applied to theclock input of a D-flop 535. If signal 36008 which is applied to the CDterminal is at logical ONE at the end of 3 microseconds when the clocksignal 10012 then the flop 535 sets. In FIG. 14H, the my time out signal53508 at logical zero is applied to the other input of OR gate 274 andthe NAK signal is generated as described supra. Referring to FIG. 14I asdescribed supra, the NAK signal 24814 received from the remote ISL isapplied to the input of register 413. The output signal 41307 is appliedto the input of NAND gate 544. The my memory retry request remote signal51505 is applied to another input of NAND 544 thereby generating thenon-existent memory signal 54408. The signal 54408 at logical zeroindicates that the remote ISL has timed out. Referring to FIG. 14T,signal 54408 sets the non-existent local flop 869. The output signal86905 is the status signal indicating a non-existent resource error.Referring to FIG. 14X, signal 54408 is applied to the input of a NORgate 824. The output signal 82406 is applied to the clock input of anInterrupt to do D-flop 823. The inhibit interrupt signal 82106 isapplied to the CD terminal of flop 823. The signal 82106 is generated inFIG. 14M as follows. The Data 10 signal 34301 is applied to the input ofregister 857 and is at logical one for an interrupt inhibit operation.The output signal 85715 is applied to the input of inverter 856. Theoutput signal 85606 is applied to the input of a NAND gate 821. Thelevel 1-5 signals 85702 ,85705, 85707, 85710 and 85712 are applied toinputs of a NAND gate 858. The output signal 85806 is applied to theinput of NAND gate 821. The inhibit interrupt signal 82106 is controlledby the data 10-15 signals aplied to register 857. If signal 82106 is atlogical ONE indicating that the interrupt is not inhibited then in FIG.14X flop 823 sets. The output signal 82309 is applied to a NAND gate607. The output signal 60708 is applied to the S input of an interruptcycle D-flop 427 thereby generating an interrupt cycle in the ISL whichinterrupts the communication bus on which the non-existent resource wasfound. The local ISL also has the ability to interrupt the remote ISL.Referring to FIG. 14AB, the non-existent memory signal 54408 is appliedto the input of driver 870. The output signal 87018 is sent out on theintra bus to the remote ISL where the signal 66137 is received byreceiver 916. The output signal 91616 is applied to the input of aninverter 871. Referring to FIG. 14X, the output signal 87112 is appliedto the input of AND/NOR gate 895. The interrupt enable signal 91415 isapplied to the other input of AND/NOR gate 895. Signal 91415 is atlogical ONE if the output timer instruction was issued with data bit 6at logical ONE. Output signal 89508 at logical ZERO sets flop 893.Signal 89508 also causes OR gate 824 to produce signal 82406 at logicalONE causes the flop 823 to set as decribed supra. The above describesthe operation whereby a write command was issued to a remote memory.This remote memory was either not present or not functioning so the ISL3 microsecond internal timer expired. The non-existent memory functionon the remote ISL was set and sent a non-existent memory indication tothe remote ISL. The interrupt to do flop 823 on the remote ISL and theinterrupt to do flop 823 on the local ISL were set. The data 10-15signals were set by the central processor to allow the interrupt. It ispossible for one ISL to inhibit the interrupt and the other ISL to allowthe interrupt.

A normal second half read response is a result of a successful readrequest which was acknowledged on the remote ISL bus. First the DCNcycle which is generated by the memory in response to the memory readrequest is sent to the ISL containing the ISL address. The address isput on the intercommunication bus during the second half memory responsecycle.

Referring to FIG. 14J, the bus addres 8-16 signals inputs to EXCLUSIVEOR gates 302 to 310 are compared with the ISL address 8-16 signals andif they are logically equal then the EXCLUSIVE OR 302 through 310 are atlogical ONE and are applied to the inputs of AND gate 439. Since this isa memory read operation signal 24512 is at logical ONE and the outputsignal 43909 is applied to the CD input of flip 440. Timing signal 36008is applied to the clock terminal and sets the ISL address flip 440.

Referring to FIG. 14-O, second half bus signal 25914 and address 18signal 20006 at logical ONE are applied to the input of NAND gate 478.Signal 47808 at logical ONE indicates that this second half bus cycle isin response to a memory request. Output signal 47808 at logical ZERO isapplied to the input of NOR gate 411 thereby enabling the file writeselect 2 signal 41106. The file write select 1 signal 40903 is atlogical ONE since the lock signal 24102 is at logical ONE. Therefore,address location 3 of the data and address files is selected.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signals 40903, 41106 and 44006 at logical ONE areapplied to the input of an AND gate 500. The output signal 50008 isapplied to the input of an AND gate 496. Since this is not a double pulloperation the signal 21104 which is applied to the other input of ANDgate 496 is at logical ONE. The output signal 49611 is applied to the CJinput of a memory response to do JK flop 492. The write enable signal64405 is applied to the clock terminal which sets flop 492 on thetrailing edge.

Referring to FIG. 14V, output signal 49206 is applied to the input ofNOR gate 351. The output signal 35106 is aplied to register 490. Outputsignal 49206 is also applied to the input of NOR gate 645. The outputsignal 64508 is applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 388. The transferfull signal 92306 at logical ONE is applied to the other input ofAND/NOR gate 388. As described supra, this sets the local cycle flop 464and the ISL cycle flop 441. Output signal 49015 is applied to the inputof an AND gate 493. Since there is not a double cycle operation signal35206, the other input to AND gate 493 is at logical ONE. Output signal49303 is at logical ONE. The purpose of the memory response cycle is totake the data from the memory through the remote ISL back to the localISL and present it back to the source that requested the data on thelocal communication bus. Therefore, referring to FIG. 14U, the transferfull flop 923 is set to load the ISL interface registers. Signal 49309is applied to the input of an inverter 867. The output signal 86712 isapplied to the input of NOR gate 763. The output signal 76308 is appliedto the CJ input of flop 923 and at the fall of signal 76108 flop 923sets. As described supra, the ISL interface registers are loaded anddata is transferred across the intracommunication bus to the local ISL.One should note that the address information is unimportant at this timeas it will be replaced by the local ISL with the address of the source.

Referring to FIG. 14T, the output signal 80101 is at logical ZERO sincethis is not an input interrupt control or interrupt cycle operation. Theoutput signals 78111 and 78208 are at logical zero since this is not aninput status or input data operation. Therefore, terminal "0" inputs ofMUX's 783 through 798 are selected.

Referring to FIG. 14-O, the data bus information is stored in registers367 and 368. Control information is stored in register 391 whose outputsignals are always enabled. The output of AND gate 369 is at logicalZERO since this is a local cycle operation and this is not a masterclear operation. Signals 47005 and 46406 are at logical ZERO. The outputsignals of registers 367 and 368 therefore are applied to the wired ORgates 332 through 348, FIG. 14F.

The outputs of the wired OR gates now reflect the data stored in the Dfiles 364-366, 177, 647, and 389, FIG. 14-O, from the memory response.Therefore the data through the data MUX 738-798 on FIG. 14T at transferfull time was stored into the intracommunication bus registers 849, 851,853 and 855, FIG. 14AA. The output signals to the drivers 848, 850, 852and will be reflected on the receivers back in the local ISL. The strobefrom the remote ISL will in this case cause the local to generate aremote MRSCYR.

Referring to FIG. 14U, signal 86712 is applied to the input of register813. When signal 92305 is at logical ONE the output signal 81310 is puton the intra bus and transmitted on FIG. 14AB to the local ISL as signal81403. The signal is received at the local ISL as signal 66219 and isreflected on the output of DRVR 815 as signal 81505.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 81505 is applied to the input of NOR gate269. The output signal 26912 initiates a remote cycle in the local ISLby setting flops 441 and the remote cycle flop 572.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signals 81505 and 57206 at logical ZERO, weapplied to the inputs of a NAND gate 499. Output signal 49901 at logicalONE are applied to the input of an OR gate 495. The MRSCYR signal 49511is applied to the input of an inverter 494. Output signal 49404 is atlogical ZERO.

Referring to FIG. 14Y, MRSCYR signal 49404 resets memory timer 611, oneof timers 133 of FIG. 8. Since the MRSCYR signal 49404 is applied to theCD terminal of a D-flop 502, the memory timeout signal 50509 remains atlogical ZERO and signal 50508 remains at logical ONE.

Signal 49404 is applied to the input of NOR gate 378 on FIG. 14G. Outputsignal 37808 is applied to FIG. 14D to an input of AND/NOR gate 278. Atcycle 100 time when signal 76208 is at logical ONE the clock bus signal27808 is at logical ZERO and clock bus signal 27908 is at logical ONE.

As described supra during a remote ISL cycle, referring to FIG. 14T, theselect signals 78111 and 78208 are both at logical ZERO therebyselecting the terminal 0 inputs of MUX's 783 through 798. The dataoutputs of these MUX's appear in FIG. 14G as the input signals of MUXregisters 525 through 528. Clock signal 27808 is applied to MUXregisters 525 through 528 thereby clocking the data into the MUXregisters. Signal 27908 also sets the bus full flop 271 preventing anyfurther traffic from the remote ISL from causing an ISL cycle in thelocal for gaining access to the local communication bus.

The address of the source which requested this data is stored in thedata file RAM's 364-366, 177, 389 and 647, FIG. 14-O. In this caselocation 2 is read. Since this is an MRSCYR cycle, signals 49014 and90704 at NAND gate 402 are at logical ONE, output read select signal40211 is at logical ZERO. Signal 49404 is at logical ZERO at the inputof NAND gate 403, output read select 2 signal 40312 is at logical ONE.The source address was originally written into location 2 during thefirst half memory request cycle. During this second half cycle thesource address is read out from the RAM's 364-366, 389 and 647 throughthe registers 367, 368 and 391 and reflected on the communnicationaddress bus through, in FIG. 14E, MUX's 157 through 160 and registers507 through 509 as described supra during a remote cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14N, since the MRQ full flop 487 was set during thefirst half memory request cycle so as to inhibit further communicationbus data from being written into the MRQ RAM location. Flop 487 is resetsince signals 76208, 49511 and 39006, which are at logical ONE, areapplied to the input of AND/NOR gate 488. The output signal 48808 atlogical ZERO is applied to the input of OR gate 283 whose output signal28306 resets flop 487. Signal 39006 is at logical ONE since this is nota double memory cycle command. A communication bus cycle is generatedwhich sends the data back to the requesting source and terminates theread cycle operation. Resetting flip 487 allows further traffic into thememory request path.

If there is a NAK response to a read first half request then in FIG. 14Ythe local 6 microsecond one shot 611 will set the time out flop 502.Since the first half request has already been asked and the requestor isexpecting a second half response, a second half cycle will be generatedbut with bad parity and uncorrectable memory read indicators set. Thiswill cause the requestor to not use the data received in the second halfcycle, and in some cases to try again.

When flop 502 sets a number of things happen. Signals 50209 and 43705are applied to the input of an AND gate 501. Since this ISL is in anidle state the signal 43705 is at logical ONE. The output signal 50108is applied to the clock terminal of a D-flop 505 thereby setting theflop.

The output signal 50509 as described supra is the status bit indicatinga memory time out. Signals 50209 and 50509 at logical one are applied tothe inputs of a NAND gate 503. The output signal 50306 is applied to theinput of OR gate 620, causing the time out generator signal 62008 to beat logical ZERO.

Signal 50306 is inverted by device 504 and the output, referring to FIG.14N, signal 50408 is applied to OR gate 495. The output signal 49511,the MRSCYR signal generates a local ISL cycle. This cycle is a remotememory second half response.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 62008 is applied to the input of an ANDgate 799. This prevents the receiver full flop 874 from forcing theenable generator signal 79911 to logical ONE thereby preventing theenabling of receiver 815, FIG. 14AB. This prevents the initiation ofremote ISL cycles.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 62008 at logical ZERO is applied to an ORgate 412. The output signal 41206 is applied to the input of NOR gate176. Output signal 17612 initiates the sequence that sets the localcycle flop 464 and the ISL cycle flop 441. Signal 41206 applied to NORgate 608 forces the output signal 60808 to logical ONE which forces theCP input to flop 464 to logical ONE. This assures that flop 464 setspreventing the remote cycle flop 572 from setting.

Signal 46405 is applied to the clock input of register 490. Howeversignal 41206 at logic ZERO is applied to the input of OR gate 287.Output signal 28708 resets register 490 thereby over riding the clocksignal 46405 which is applied to the register 490. Therefore none of thelocal cycle functions are valid.

Even though a NAK response was received from memory it is stillnecessary to respond to the source. However in order to indicate to thesource that the data received by the source is invalid the ISL generatesa "bad parity" situation.

Referring to FIG. 14G, signal 62008 is applied to the input of aninverter 621. The output signal 62112 at logical ONE is applied to theinput of an OR gate 349. The data parity error signal 34911 at logicalONE is applied to the input of a register 523. When the clock signal27908 goes to logical ONE the data parity output signal 52302 is appliedto the inputs of parity generators 521 and 522 thereby generating evenparity. Output signal 34911 is applied to the input of an OR gate 392.The output signal 39208 is applied to the input of register 523. Theoutput signal 52309 is applied to the DRVR 254, FIG. 14B, and istransmitted onto the communication bus as BSREDD signal 10338 indicatingan uncorrectable error. The signal 49404 applied to the input of NORgate 378 generated the enable second half bus cycle signal 37806 whichin FIG. 14D is applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 278. Cycle 100signal 76208 applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 278 generates theclock bus signal 27808 which strobes the data and address into thecommunication bus registers as in the normal MRSCYR cycle and causes acommunication bus request.

The retry request (RRQCYL) path is used for the input/output requestmemory read with test and lock, interrupt and a unique function, IOLDwhich is a special input/output load instruction.

The receipt of an Retry Request instruction from the local communicationbus may cause the ISL to generate up to four cycles. The initial cycleis the RRQCYL which transfers the information from the local to theremote ISL. The RRQCYR cycle which generates a remote intercommunicationbus cycle. In the case of an output command or an interrupt, this wouldbe the completion of an interrupt, this would be the completion of aninstruction. Since the retry path is used for those instructions whichrequire an actual response from the remote communication bus, the localISL will respond on behalf of the remote intercommunication bus with abus wait signal 26201, FIG. 14B. Then the actual response is obtainedfrom the remote bus and brought back to the local ISL where theinformation is sent back to the requesting source during a comparecycle. In the case of a read instruction, once the first half request isgenerated on the remote communication bus, the local ISL will wait forthe remote second half response as in a memory read request.

Referring to FIG. 14S, as was described in the MRQ cycle, during the DCNtime that is initiating the RRQCYL cycle, the RAM's are addressed. Ifthis instruction is a memory read, test and set lock or an IOLD command,it will require translation data from the output of the RAM's 706through 715 to be loaded into registers 718 and 719. These registerswill be clocked with the clock memory signal 73806 which is the outputof inverter 738. The input signal 28106 is generated in FIG. 14I as theoutput of AND/NOR gate 281. The inputs are signals 53910 and 58405.Therefore the clock pulse is generated during the data transfer modewhen the retry request full flop, FIG. 14N, 584 is set. This strobes thedata into registers 718 and 719. The data path is described infra.

Referring to FIG. 14R, the terminal "1" inputs of MUX's 474 and 475 areselected since the bus memory reference signal 24414 input to NAND gates481 is at logical ZERO. Also since this is in data transfer mode signal53911 is at logical ZERO therefore the terminal 0 input of MUX's 472 and473 are selected. This selects the high order data bits 0 and 1 and thehigh order address bits 0 through 7. The MUX 472 through 475 outputsignals are applied to the input of address terminals at the RAM's 863and 706 through 715 in FIG. 14S.

Referring to FIG. 14R, the channel mask address signals are selected byMUX's 313, 314 and 315. The terminal 0 input of the MUX's 313, 314 and315 are selected. The bus address signals 8 through 17 are applied toterminal 0. RAM 276 is addressed with these outputs and the channel maskbit signal 27607 at logical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate546. Since this is not a test mode function signal 62203 is at logicalONE. Operational signal 53910 and memory reference clear signal 48112are applied to the input of an AND gate 550. Since this is anoperational function and not a memory reference clear function bothsignals 53910 and 48112 are at logical ONE and the output signal 55011is at logical ONE. Output signal 54608 at logical ONE is applied in FIG.14N to the input of OR gate 317. The output signal 31704 at logical ZEROis applied to NOR gate 566 forcing output signal 56608 to logical ONE.

As described supra file select signals 40802 and 41008 at logical ONEare applied to the input of AND gate 585. Signal 56608 at logical ONE isalso applied to the input of AND gate 585. This conditions flop 581 toset on the rise of the write enable signal 64405.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, the file write select signals 41106 and 40903are at logical ZERO since this is not a second half bus cycle and it isnot a memory reference cycle, signals 25914 and 24414 are at logicalZERO. Signals 56505 and 47808 are also at logical ZERO. Thereforelocation 0 of the data and address files, 92 and 103 of FIG. 8, in FIG.14-0 are selected and when the write enable signal 64408 is applied theinformation on the local communication bus is written into the RAM's.

Referring to FIG. 14N, flop 584 sets 135 nanoseconds into thecommunication bus cycle by DCN signal 35602. Signal 58405 is applied inFIG. 14Y to the clock input of a D-flop 615. Signal 41811 is applied tothe CD terminal of flop 615 which sets at the rise of the clock signal58405. Output signal 61505 is applied to an input of an AND gate 614.The timer enable signal 91410 is at logical ONE since it was set with adata bit 7 during the output timer instruction. Bus timer signal 26102provides 60 cycle pulses.

The output signal 61412 is applied to the G2 enable and +1 terminals ofa counter 619 which counts 60 cycle pulses. This was described supra.

This timer counter 619 is used to detect that a malfunction occurred inRemote ISL. If this detector was not used, the local communication buswould remain in a wait mode.

As described supra, the RRQ2DO signal 58109 will generate an RRQCYLcycle which will (FIG. 14N) take the contents of the data and addresslines and at transfer full time as described in FIG. 14U the transferfull signal 92305 will clock the data and address lines into the localISL drivers. The data will go to the data MUX's 783 through 798, FIG.14T as described supra.

The basic flow of information is described first, then the differencesto the basic flow will be described for the memory read with test setlock and interrupt and IOLD operations.

Referring to FIG. 14U, the RRQCYL signal 90002 is applied to register813. The output signal GENRRQ 81307 is transmitted as described supra tothe remote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14V in the remote ISL, the GENRRQ signal 81606 isapplied to the input of AND/NOR gate 578. Signal 57410 and 27108 areapplied to AND/NOR gate 578 and are at logical ONE at this time. Theoutput signal 57808 is at logical ZERO.

As described the delay line 374 is made operative and the outputclocking signals generated.

Referring to FIG. 14D, the remote function signal 57410, cycle 100signal 76208, operational signal 53910 and RRQCYR signal 90201 atlogical ONE for the remote cycle are applied to AND/NOR gate 278 therebygenerating clock bus signals 27808 and 27908. The clock bus signals27808 and 27908 will start the timing for the remote communication buscycle and as described supra during this cycle the remote ISL willaddress the device specified on the address bus.

Referring to FIG. 14H, inhibit wait signal 42103, RRQSET signal 58506and compare signal 31808 all at logical ONE applied to the input of ANDgate 447. Output signal 44706 is applied to the input of OR gate 629.The output signal 62906 is applied to the input of register 631. Theoutput signal 63102 is applied to the input of an inverter 630. Theoutput signal 63006 is applied to the set terminal of flop 452 therebysetting the flop. The output signal 45309 is applied to DRVR-RCV 263 andplaces the BSWAIT signal, signal 26201 out on the local communicationbus. The local ISL will continue to generate a wait response in thismanner until a compare cycle is generated.

Referring to FIG. 14I, the remote communication bus ACK response signal17803, NAK signal 24814, or a wait signal 26303 is stored in register413. Output signals 41303 and 41306 are applied to an OR gate 415. Theoutput signal 41511 is applied to the input of an AND/NOR gate 570.During the MYRRQR cycle signal 51515 which was stored in register 515when the request was placed on the remote communication bus is atlogical ONE. Output signal 57008 is applied to the input of an OR gate270 thereby generating a bus clear signal 27006 resetting the bus fullflop 271, FIG. 14G.

Remote response signal 57008 is applied to the input of driver 894, FIG.14AB. The output signal 89409 is applied to resistor bank 658, FIG.14AC. The output signal 65802 is applied to connector 633 fortransmission over the ISL intra bus. The signal 66237 is received at thelocal ISL on the input to driver 733, FIG. 14AB. The output signal 73305is applied to the clock input of register 768 on FIG. 14P which storesin the local ISL the ACK/NAK response signals 73614/73616 which weregenerated on the remote communication bus.

Signals 73614 and 73616 are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate 579.The output signal 57913 is applied to the register 568. If neither aNACK or ACK response was received then the wait response is stored inregister 568.

Referring to FIG. 14I, during the remote communication bus cycle,register 577 has applied to the input terminals ACK signal 17803 and NAKsignal 24814. Register 413 also stores the ACK signal 17803 and the NAKsignal 24814. The output of register 577, remote ACK 57710, and remoteNAK 57707, are applied to the input of a driver 913, FIG. 14AB, andtransmits the output signal 91312 and 91314 to the local ISL where theyare applied to the inputs of a driver 736 as signals 66241 and 66242.The output signals 73614 and 73616 are applied in FIG. 14P to the inputsof NOR gate 579. If both of these signals are at logical ZERO, theoutput signal 57913 is at logical ONE which is the regenerated WAITresponse. The three remote response signals 57913, 73614 and 73616 arestored in register 568 when the remote response signal 73305 is receivedand makes a rise to logical ONE on the C input of register 568. Theresponse signal must be sent back to the requesting source on the localcommunication bus, therefore a compare cycle is generated, using buscomparator 93 on FIG. 8. Remote strobe signal 89610, QUE2DO signal 55604and receiver full signal 87407 is applied to an AND gate 543. Since the3 signals are at logic one at this time the output signal 54312 is atlogic one indicating that there are no cycles operative in the localISL.

The output signal 54312 is applied to the input of an OR gate 420. Theenable idle output signal 42011 is applied to the CD terminal of aD-flop 437. During the next DCN cycle the leading edge of the clocksignal 21510 sets the flop 437.

The ISL idle signal 43705 is applied to the input of an AND gate 311.Also applied to the input of AND gate 311 are no cycle signal 54312,test remote signal 53914 and compare enable signal 30108, all at logicalONE. Since the remote answer valid signal 56803 input to a NOR gate 301is at logical ZERO, the output compare enable signal 30108 is at logicalONE.

The output signal 31106 is applied to the clock terminal of a compare todo D-flop 297 thereby setting the flop. The output signal 29709 isapplied to the input of an AND gate 299. Signals 41008, 40802 and 43705all at logical ONE also are applied to the inputs of AND gate 299.Signals 41008 and 40802 at logical ONE indicate that the RRQ location ofthe D file is selected. The output signal 29908 is applied to the CDterminal of a D flop 318 which is set at 60 nanoseconds after the startof DCN by signal 36008 and 60 nanoseconds after flop 437 sets.

During the compare cycle the local ISL reads the information stored indata and address files, FIG. 140, and compares it against theinformation received from the inter communications bus, comparators 380through 398 of FIG. 14P, which comprise bus comparator 93 of FIG. 8. Thebus address signals BSAD0-23 are applied to the B input terminal, andaddress 0-23 signals 13201 through 15601 are applied to the A inputterminal of comparators 384 through 386. The bus data signals BSDT0-15are applied to the B terminals and the DFIL0-15 signals are applied tothe A terminals.

The output signals 38009, 38109, 38209, 38309, 38409, 38509 and 38609are applied to the input of wired OR gate 379 which is terminated in a330 ohm resistor 115 to +5 volts. If the information received from thecommunications bus was the same as stored in the D file and A file RAMsof the ISL, then the output signal 37901 is at logical ZERO. If the 2sets of information were not equal then output signal 37901 is atlogical ZERO indicating that this information is not from the sourcethat initiated the original cycle or is information for a differentcycle from what was initially originated.

Signals 37901 and 31808 at logical ONE are applied to the inputs of anAND gate 273. The output signal 37208 is applied to an inverter 272. Theoutput signal 27204 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of an ANDgate 542. If the results of the comparison indicated an equal comparethen the output signals 54212 is at logical ZERO.

Referring to FIG. 14H, the compare signal at logical ONE is applied tothe input of an AND gate 170. Also applied to the output of AND gate 170are signals 56807 and 59906 which are at logical ONE. The output signal17012 is applied to register 631 and stored at the 135 nanosecond DCNsignal 35809. The output signal 63112 is applied to the input of NORgate 130. The output signal at logical ZERO sets the ISL ACK flop 433which generates an ACK signal as described supra.

For the NAK case, signal 56815 is logical ONE at NAND gate 171 alongwith signals 17208 and 27308. The output signal 17112 at logical ZERO onOR gate 526 causes signal 53806 to be at logical ONE at register 631input. The output signal 63105 is applied to the clock input of a D-flop449 thereby setting the ISNAKR flop. The output signal ISNAKR 44909 issent out over the communications bus as described supra. For the case ofa bus equal condition where the ISL had a WAIT response stored, thesignal 56810 is applied to the input of an AND/NOR gate 174. Alsoapplied to AND/NOR gate 174 are signals 27308 and 59906 at logical ONEat this time. The output signal 17408 is applied to the input of aninverter 175. The output signal 17506 is applied to the input ofregister 631. The output signal 63109 is applied to the clock input offlop 453 thereby setting the flop. This puts a BSWAIT signal out on thecommunications bus.

If there has been a non-compare and signal 37901, FIG. 14P, was atlogical ZERO, then signal 27308 would be at logical ZERO and signal27204 would be at logical ONE forcing signal 54212 to logical ONE.

At AND/NOR gate 174 on FIG. 14H, the signals 54212, NAK RETRY signal53903 and CP address signal 31910 are at logical ONE at this time.Therefore, output signal 17408 would be at logical ZERO. This wouldresult in flop 453 setting as described supra and the BSWAIT signalbeing sent out on the communications bus.

If this is a NAK RETRY or CP address interrupt then signals 53902 and32008 would be at logical ONE and applied to the input of an AND/NORgate 541. Since signal 54212 at logical ONE is applied to the input ofAND/NOR gate 541, the output signal 54106 at logical ONE is applied tothe input of a NOR gate 538. The output signal 53806 is applied to theinput of register 631. The output signal 63105 sets the ISL NAKR flop449, which sends out a BSNAKR signal on the communications bus.

The termination of the local RRQ cycle for a write command is asfollows: In the case of an ACK response from the remote, signal 56807,FIG. 14H, will be logical ONE. As described supra, this will set signal17012 to logical ONE which causes the ACK to be returned to therequesting source on the inter communications bus. Signal 17012 is at alogic one, and the write signal 36609 is at a logic one on FIG. 14N.AND/OR gate 286 causes output signal 28608 to be at a logic zero at theinput of OR gate 293, which in turn will cause output signal 29308 tologic zero. Signal 29308 at the R input of JK flop 584 resets the RRQfunction, thus opening the RRQ path for another instruction.

Referring to FIG. 14AB, the ACK response case for a read, the ACK signal17012 is applied to AND gate 732 along with the file write signal 80504to produce output signal 73203. Signal 73203 is returned back to theremote ISL. The received signal 73309 in the remote on FIG. 14N, setsflop 593. Flop 593 allows the second half cycle to be sent to the local.

The order is also terminated during a read or write instruction with aNAK response. Referring to FIG. 14H, the output signal 17112 at logicalZERO is applied to the input of an OR gate 536. The output signal 53603is applied to the input of OR gate 293, FIG. 14N, thereby resetting flop584 as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14H, during the compare cycle, the answer wait signal17508 is applied to the input of register 631. The output signal 63109on FIG. 14N, is applied to the clock terminal of a D-flop 632. Theoutput signal 63209 is applied to the other input of NAND gate 559. Theoutput signal 55906 sets flop 581 starting another retry request to docycle as described supra.

The RRQ cycle is repeated until a response ACK or NAK is transmitted tothe source.

The effect of the WAIT is to retry the instruction by keeping flop 584,FIG. 14N set at this time. Referring to FIG. 14Y, the reset input signal58406 is at logic zero thereby enabling counter 619, which comprisespart of timers and status logic unit 133 of FIG. 8. Signal 61412 isapplying 60 hertz pulses to the +1 and G2 terminal. If the WAIT responsecontinues for more than 120 milliseconds, then signal 61907 is forced tological ONE. This sets flop 599, signal 61608 is at logical ONE since anACK was not received. Referring to FIG. 14H, signal 59906 at logicalZERO is applied to AND gate 170. The output signal 17012 is at logicalZERO thereby inhibiting the ACK response.

Similarly, signal 59906 is applied to the input of an OR gate 172.Output signal 17208 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of NAND gate171. Output signal 17112 at logical ONE inhibits the NAK signal. Signal59906 at AND/OR gate 174 inhibits a wait response, therefore there willbe no responses at all. This will result in a time-out on the local ISLbus and signal the local central processor that there is no resourceavailable to that channel number. Even though the ISL is configured forthis address, the time-out would happen and the software would have toinvestigate why the device is either inoperative at this time or whetherthey configured the ISL wrong initially to generate such an error havingreceived a response for the RRQCYR cycle. Referring to FIG. 14G, gate524, when the RRQCYR cycle was generated signal 39310 was a logical oneas this was a read request. Output signal 52408 was a logical ZERO,thereby selecting the ISL address inputs to data MUX registers 525through 528. Also data bit 10, signal 51303 was a logical ZERO sincethis was not an interrupt cycle or a memory read request cycle. Data bit10 will be received as address bit 18 at a logical ZERO when theresponse cycle is received from the external device. This will forcegate 478 output signal 47808, FIG. 14-0 to a logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, when the second half bus cycle is received,signal 25914 is at logical ONE. The bus lock is not set therefore signal24102 is at logical ONE and therefore the file write select 1 signal40903 is at logical ONE. Signal 47603, 56506 and 47808 are at logicalONE therefore file write select 2 signal 41106 is at logical ZERO.Therefore, the information is written into location 1, which is theretry response location of the address and data files of FIG. 14-0, fileregisters 92 and 103 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signals 41008, 40903 and 44006 at logical ONE areapplied to the input of an AND gate 598. Output signal 59808 at logicalONE is applied to the CJ terminal of a JK-flop 595, the write bus enablesignal 64405 is applied to the clock input thereby setting the flop.When the local ISL returns an ACK to this remote ISL then the retryresponse enable flop 593 is set since the clock signal 73309 is forcedto logical ONE as described supra. Signals 59509 and 59305 are appliedto a NAND gate 487. The output signal 58703 is applied to an inverter58810.

Referring to FIG. 14V, which illustrates cycle generator 146 of FIG. 8,signal 58703 is applied to the input of NOR gate 645. The output signal64508 is applied to the input of AND/NOR gate 388. Signal 92306 atlogical ONE is applied to the other input. The output signal 38808 atlogical ZERO generates the local cycle and the ISL cycle by settingflops 464 and 441 as described supra. Signal 58810 is strobed intoregister 490. The output signal 49007 is applied to the input of an ANDgate 590 thereby generating the RRSCYL cycle signal 59012.

Now the ISL cycle will generate the timing signals from delay line 374as described supra. The data path will be identical to that for thememory response cycle. The data as in any remote cycle will be sent backto the local ISL when the transfer full flop 923 in FIG. 14U is set.

Signal 59012 is applied to the input of NOR gate 909. Output signal90910 is applied to the input of register 813. The generate RRS signal81315 is transmitted to the local ISL.

Signal 66221 is received by driver 815 on FIG. 14AB. Output signal 81503initiates the remote cycle at the local ISL as described supra. The datapath is identical to that of the MRS cycle remote as described supra.

At the local ISL, referring to FIG. 14N, the RRQ full flop 584 is resetas follows. Signals 59211 and 76208 are applied to the inputs of AND/ORgate 286. The output signal 28606 at logical ZERO is applied to theinput of OR gate 293. The output signal 29308 resets flop 584.

In the remote ISL at the time the RRSCYL cycle is taking place, in FIG.14N, the RRS full flop 595 and the RRS ENABLE flop 593 are reset.Signals 59012 and 32712 are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate 596.The output signal 59603 at logical zero is applied to the input of an ORgate 294. The output signal 29411 resets flops 593 and 595.

Referring to FIG. 14Y, for the read cases flop 616, in the local ISL, isset since an ACK is received thereby forcing signal 56807 to logicalONE. Signal 27308 is logical ONE after an equal compare cycle. Signal61608 at logical ZERO is applied to the CD terminal of flop 599 therebypreventing the flop from setting. Timer counter 619 is reset when signal58406 is a logical ONE.

During a read operation after the acknowledgement of the request for theread cycle has been received, the ISL waits approximately 240milliseconds. The output signal 61912 of counter 619 is applied to aninverter 618. The input signal 61808 is applied to the clock terminal ofa D-flop 456 thereby setting the flop. The output signal 45605 atlogical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate 455.

When the ISL becomes idle as described supra, signal 43705 at logicalONE is applied to the other input of AND gate 455. The output signal45511 sets flop 459. Output signal 45909 is the I/O timer status bit.

Signals 45909 and 45606 are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate 457.The output signal 45711 is applied to an inverter 458. Output signal45711 is applied to the input of an OR gate 620. The signal 62008 atlogic zero is the time-out generator signal of timers and status logicunit 133 of FIG. 8. The function of the signal is to simulate a parityerror as described supra.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signal 46108 is applied to the input of OR gate592 which will generate a dummy RRSCYR cycle signal 59211.

The above sequence was generated through the time-out counter 619, FIG.14Y. The normal termination of the order would have reset this counterwhen RRQ full flop was reset. Flop 615 is reset by signal 29308. Signal61505 at the input of AND gate 614 at logical ZERO inhibits the 60 hertztiming pulses 26102.

The RRSCYR signal 59211 and the end pulse signal 37712 are applied tothe inputs of an AND gate 594. The output signal 59406 is applied to theinput of a NOR gate 432. The output signal 43201 resets flop 456. Flop459 will not reset until an output clear instruction to reset the timerbit is issued.

The IOLD is an input/output command which requires two cycles. The firstcycle (RRQCYL) is in local ISL and the second cycle (RRQCYR) is in theremote ISL. The IOLD command is unique in the way the memory addressdata is a part of both the address and data field. The IOLD command isin two parts. The first part of the IOLD command is the output registerportion. The address 0-7 signals represent the memory address used bythe controller during a DMA operation. The remaining address 8-23signals are the data 0-15 signals. The second part of the IOLD commandis identical to any other I/O command.

Referring to FIG. 14S, as was described supra, during a DCN cycle thememory translation RAMs 706 through 715, comprising memory addresstranslation RAM 125 of FIG. 8, are loaded into memory referenceregisters 716 and 717 comprising memory reference register 126 of FIG.8, during the loading of a standard I/O command into the data file, itis to be a retry path instruction. We will find that the memorytranslation bits would be loaded into IOLD registers 718 and 719,comprising IOLD register 127 of FIG. 8, rather than registers 716 and717. Signal 73806 performs that selection. Referring to FIG. 14I,signals 53910 and 58405 at logical ONE are applied to the inputs of anOR gate with ANDed inputs 281. The output signal 28106 is applied to aninverter 738, FIG. 14S. The output signal 73806 is applied to the clockterminals of registers 718 and 719 thereby clocking the data from thememory translation RAMs 706 through 715 into the registers. During theRRQCYL cycle which follows the loading of the data and address RAMs ofFIG. 14-0, the signal 48603 applied to the enable terminals of tergister718 and 719 is at logical zero thereby enabling the outputs of registers718 and 719.

Also, during the local RRQCYL cycle, referring to FIG. 14L, address 18,19, 21 and 22 signals and signal 64706 are applied to the inputs of aNAND gate 829. When the inputs are all at logical ZERO the output signal82906 at logical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate 828, signal58306 is at logical ONE. Output signal 82803 is applied to the input ofan AND gate 827. Address 20 and 23 signals 15301 and 15601 are appliedto the inputs of AND gate 827 and if they are at logical ONE then outputsignal 82706 at logical ONE is applied at the input of inverter 826. Theoutput signal 82610 at logical ZERO indicates that a hexadecimal 9 isindicated by address 20 through 23 signals 15301, 15401, 15501 and15601.

Referring to FIG. 14R which illustrates the memory address multiplexer100 of FIG. 8, memory reference signal 24414, master clear signal 47006and operational signal 53910 are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate481. Since signal 24414 is at logical zero, the select input of MUX's474 and 475 are at logical ONE.

The selector signal 53911 is at logical zero thereby selecting terminal1 inputs of MUX's 474 and 475. Therefore, the BSDT 0 and 1 signals 18905and 19010 are selected as address 8 and 9 signals 47507 and 47409. BSAD0-7 are applied to the terminal 0 input of MUX's 472 and 473 and areselected as address 0-7 signals 47212, 47209, 47207, 47204, 42312,47309, 47307 and 47304.

Referring to FIG. 14S, address 0-9 signals are applied to the addressselect terminals of memory translation RAM's 706 through 715. The data6-15 signals 33901 through 34801 were applied to the input terminals andwritten into the RAM's 706 through 715 at the specified address duringconfiguration. The output signals 70607 through 71507 are applied to theinputs of IOLD registers 718 and 719.

Referring to FIG. 14T, the signal 82706 is applied to the selectterminal of MUX 930 thereby selecting the address translator 8 and 9signals 72801 and 72901.

Referring to FIG. 14Z, IOLD signal 82610 at logical ZERO was applied tothe input of OR gate 911. The output signal 91108 is applied to theselect terminals of MUX registers 832 and 835 thereby selecting theterminal 0 inputs. Address translator 0-7 signals 72001 through 72701are the remaining 8 bits of the address translating RAM's. The remainderof the cycle is identical to any other operational input/output command.The data is transferred to the remote ISL and the standard data andaddress paths are followed to present the information to the remotecommunications bus.

The next unique path in the RRQCYL or the retry path is the memory testand set lock instructions, the test and set lock is the one memoryreference instruction that will go through the retry path. The reasonfor that is the memtest and set lock, tests a bit on the memory board onthe communication bus. That bit must be tested before it is knownwhether or not the instruction can be executed. Even through the systemis configured to read out each memory location, it is known whether ornot the lock bit is set. The proper response is generated and sent backin a similar manner to an I/O output instruction. Since this is a memoryinstruction, it does require the memory translation path for the propermemory addressing and also the writing of the information into theproper file locations.

Referring to FIG. 14-0 for the file write select logic, the test and setwill have a unique function set on the communication bus, the BSLOCKfunction. This is a memory reference and a BSLOCK instruction. Also,this is not a second half bus cycle. Signal 25914 is at logical ZERO,signal 24102 is at logical ZERO and signal 24414 is at logical ONE. Thisselects the FILE location 0 for the information path.

Referring to FIG. 14I, signals 62606 and 86307 are applied to the inputof an AND gate 548. Signal 86307 is the memory hit bit read out ofmemory RAM 863, FIG. 14S, which comprises RAM 125 of FIG. 8. Signal62606 is the test operation signal. Output signal 54808 is applied tothe input of a NAND gate 480, FIG. 14N. Signal 24414, at logical ONE, isapplied to the other input of NAND gate 480. Output signal 48011 isapplied to the input of NOR gate 566. Output signal 56608 is applied tothe input of AND gate 585. Signals 40802 and 41008 are at logical ONE.The output signal 58506 conditions flop 581 to set when clock signal64405 goes to logic ZERO thereby initiating the RRQCYL cycle for thetest and set instruction. As in previous RRQ cycles the memorytranslation data shared in the memory translation RAM's 125 of FIG. 8must be loaded into registers 718 and 719 as described supra. The testand set instruction must transfer the data to the local multiplexregisters on FIG. 14Z in the same way as in the IOLD instruction.

Referring to FIG. 14Z, signals 58306 and 64706 are at logical ONE sincethis is an RRQCYL cycle and this is a memory reference instruction. Thesignals are applied to the input of a NOR gate 873. The output signal87311 at logical ZERO is applied to the OR gate 911. Output signal 91108at logical ZERO is applied to the select terminals of ISL interface MUXregister 832 and 835 thereby selecting the address translator signals72001 through 72701. Signal 87311 is applied to the input of OR gate 912thereby selecting address translator signals 72801 and 72901 and memoryreference signal 64706 and file byte 38910. The data portion of thisinstruction passes through the normal data path to the transmitterregisters and drivers. The remainder of the address bits will come fromthe standard address bus, internal address bus path. During the remotecycle that is to follow in the remote ISL there are a few specialcontrol lines that must be set on the remote ISL bus.

Referring to FIG. 14G, the file lock signal 80401 which was generated inthe local ISL at logical ONE is applied to an input of an OR gate 466.The output signal 46603 is applied to the input of an AND gate 443.Since this is not a test mode, signal 53906 at logical ONE is applied tothe input of AND gate 443. Output signal 44311 is applied to the inputof register 523. The bus lock function is a key to read the test and setbit within the memory. The bit is tested with bus lock on. The bit istested and if the bit had previously been set in memory and is unusableat this time a NAK response is given thereby terminating theinstruction. The response is sent back to the local ISL for use by thesoftware. If the bit was not set then it would be set as a result ofthis instruction and an ACK response would be returned back to the localISL and the specific type of instruction would be executed.

There are various types of set and test instructions in which certainthings which do not affect the operation of the ISL are done. There isone case in which if the test and set instruction receives a WAITresponse due to memory being busy from some other traffic or the memoryis in refresh cycle. The wait response signal 26303 obtained from anyremote cycle would be loaded, in FIG. 14I into register 413 as describedsupra. The output signal 41310 is applied to the input of a NAND gate328, FIG. 14D. Signals 52305 and 51515 at logical ONE are applied to theinputs of an AND gate 602. Output signal 60203 is applied to the inputof an OR gate 633. Output signal 63303 is applied to the other input ofNOR 328. Output signal 32806 is applied to the clock terminal, and setsRequest Retry D-flop 564. Output signal 56406 is applied to the input ofOR gate 562, thereby initiating a communication bus request cycle.

The interrupt which is initiated from a controller to a centralprocessor on the remote bus controls the RRQCYL retry path as follows.The interrupt is a standard I/O output command. The interrupt is aninstruction that passes through the ISL that requires special attentiondue to the fact that the interrupt can be initiated from a higherpriority device than that which is already using the retry path withinthe ISL. Therefore, if the path is busy the information must beprocessed before the interrupt is processed. Therefore, the interruptmust be detected and responded to at response time which is 135nanoseconds into the DCN cycle when the ACK, NAK or WAIT are sent out inthe bus.

Referring to FIG. 14M, signals BSAD 8-12 are applied to the input of aNAND gate 277. Signal BSAD 13 is applied to an inverter 195. The outputsignal 19504 is applied to the input of an AND gate 321 as is outputsignal 27705. Since this is not a memory reference instruction, signal24414 is at logical ONE. If the address bits BSAD 08-13 were logicalZEROs then the output of an AND gate 321 is at logical ONE. Signal 32106is applied to the input of an AND gate 320. The operational channel masksignal 54608 is applied to the input of AND gate 320. Signal 54608 isthe output of an AND gate 546, FIG. 14R. The output of RAM 276, signal27607 at logical ONE is applied to the input of AND gate 546.

Referring to FIG. 14M, output signal 32008 is applied to the CD input ofa D-flop 430 which is set on the rise of the RRQ full signal 58405 atDCN 135 time. The flop set indicates that the interrupt is accepted bythe ISL. If at this time there had not been a compare on FIG. 14H, thensignal 54212, at logical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate 422.Signal 32008 is applied to the other input of AND gate 422. The outputsignal 42203 is applied to the input of register 631. Signals 54212 and32008 are also applied to the inputs of AND/NOR gate 541. The outputsignal 54106 is applied to the input of NOR gate 538. The output signal53806 is applied to the input of register 631 and is described supra,results in a NAK response being sent out on the communications bus. Alsosignal 63119, the NAK interrupt function, is applied to the input of aninverter 537. The output signal 53702 at logical ZERO is applied to theS terminal of a D-flop 429, FIG. 14X thereby setting flop 429. Outputsignal 42905 is applied to the input of an AND gate 395. The RRQ fullsignal 58406 is applied to the other input and when the path becomesunbusy signal 58406 is set to logical ONE. Output signal 39503 isapplied to the input of a one-shot 451. The output signal 45113 isapplied to the input of a DRVR-RCV 258, FIG. 14B which puts a 30nanosecond BSRINT signal 10406 out on the communication bus indicatingto the source that received the NAK response to resubmit the interruptto that ISL again now that the path was not busy. If the path for theinterrupt was not busy then the response back to the source would havebeen a BSWAIT response as described supra. The BSWAIT signal causes thesource to continue issuing its command until it receives a non-waitresponse. Meanwhile the interrupt is processed in the remote ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14M, the CP interrupt signal 32106 or the bus writesignal 26510 are applied to the inputs of a NOR gate 640. The outputsignal 64013 is applied to the input of an inverter 641. The outputsignal 64104 is applied to the input of RAM 366, FIG. 14-0 as the filewrite function.

Referring to FIG. 14W, the terminal 0 input of the CP destinationaddress MUX 749 is selected. Therefore, address 14-17 signals 14601through 14901 are selected. The CP channel address signals 74912, 74909,74907 and 74904 are applied to the address select terminals of RAM 754.RAM 754 stores the translation address for the Central Processor Unitthat was previously loaded by a configuration command when the ISL wasin the ISL configuration mode.

Referring to FIG. 14Z, the output signals 75411, 75409, 75407 and 75405are applied to terminal 0 of MUX register 840. Signals 43008 and 58306at logical ONE are applied to the inputs of NAND gate 910. Output selectsignal 91003 at logical ZERO selects the terminal 0 input of MUXregister 840. The output signals 84015, 84014, 84013 and 84012 areapplied to the inputs of drivers 839 and 841, ISL interface drivers 115of FIG. 8, from which they are sent to the remote ISL. These signalsrepresent the address of the central processor unit that originallyloaded the ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14M, signal 91003 is applied to the input of a NANDgate 904. Data 2 signal 33501 is applied to the other input of NAND gate904. Also, data 0, 1, and 3-5 signals 33401 through 33801 are applied tothe inputs of a NAND gate 903. Data bis 0-5, data bus 117 of FIG. 8, areat logical zero to indicate one central processor interrupting anothercentral processor.

Output signals 90305 and 90413 at logical ONE are applied to the inputof an AND gate 755. Signal 58306 is also applied to an input of AND gate755. Output signal 75506 at a logic high is applied to the input of a ORgate 927. Output signal 92711 is applied to the input of register 845,FIG. 14AA. The output signal 84505 is applied to the input of driver844, FIG. 14AB. The output signal 84407 is applied to the ISL interfacebus as signal 84407 and is received at the input of driver 803 at theremote ISL as signal 66244. The output signal 80303 is applied to awired OR gate 926, FIG. 14AA.

Referring to FIG. 14W, the output signal 92601 is applied to the CDterminal of a D-flop 925. During the RRQCYR cycle at the remote ISLsignal 90201 at logical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate 899.At cycle 100 time signal 76208 goes to logical one and is applied to theother input of AND gate 899. Output signal 89911 is applied to the clockterminal of a D-flop 925. The flop 925 is set until the next RRQCYRcycle. The function flop 925 is described supra.

Data 6-9 signals 33901 through 34201 are applied to the terminal 1inputs of MUX 756, which comprises the CPU source address register 136on FIG. 8. These inputs are selected since signal 53910 which is appliedto the select terminal of MUX 756 is at logical one. The output signals75604, 75607, 75609 and 75612 are applied to the address terminals ofCPU source translation RAM 757, which stores the translation informationfor selecting the proper CPU source address, RAM 113 of FIG. 8.

Signal 92601 which is at logical one is applied to the select terminalsof data MUX 780, data multiplexer 137 of FIG. 8, thereby selecting theCPU source translation signals 75705, 75707, 75709 and 75711.

Referring to FIG. 14G, signals 90201 and 39310 are applied to the inputof AND/NOR gate 524. Since, as described supra, the file write signal80701 was at logical one, therefore the inverter output signal 39310 isat logical zero. Output signal 52408 therefore selects the terminal 1input of bus data MUX register 526, data multiplexer/register 138 ofFIG. 8, thereby selecting the data 6-9 signals 78007, 78004, 78009 and78012. The output signals of MUX 526 along with the outputs of the otherMUXs as described supra in the RRQCYR cycle will be reflected on thecommunications bus thereby terminating the interrupt command.

Referring to FIG. 14E, address MUX registers 507 through 509, addressmultiplexer register 111 of FIG. 8, stores the address as it was sentfrom the local ISL. Referring to FIG. 14G, the data multiplex signalsare applied to the terminal 1 inputs of MUX registers 525, 527 and 528.During a write operation as described supra, the data 6-9 signals areapplied to the terminal 1 inputs of data multiplexer register 526.

During a read operation the terminal 0 inputs of data multiplexerregisters 525, 526 and 527 select the ISL channel address of this ISL.These are the signals from the hexadecimal rotary switches 101 through103, FIG. 14J. As described supra, the MYDAT10 signal 51303 is atlogical one for a read operation and at logical zero for a writeoperation.

Referring to FIG. 14D, signals 57410, 76208, 53910 and 90201 at logicalone are applied to the inputs of AND/NOR gate 278 thereby generating theclock signals 27808 and 27908. Signal 27908 clocks the address 0-31signals into registers 507, 508 and 509, FIG. 14E, the data 0-15 signalsinto MUX registers 525 through 528, signal 27908 also sets the bus fullflop 271 thereby inhibiting another remote ISL.

The output and input interrupt control instructions passing through theISL are detected so that special translation of the CP address can takeeffect. The detection of an output/input interrupt control which isfunction code 03 and 02 respectively are found on FIG. 14M where an ANDgate 811 detects Address 18-21 signals at logical ZERO during theinterrupt control input/output instruction. Signal 64706 is at logicalZERO since this is not a memory reference cycle. The output signal 81105at logical ONE is applied to the input of an AND gate 810. Signal 53910is at logical ONE, and if Address 22 signal 15501 is at logical ONE.Output signal 81012 is at logical ONE for function code hexadecimal 02and 03. Signal 81012 is an input of OR gate 927 which generates thetranslate signal 92711 which is sent to the remote ISL along with thedata and address information during the RRQCYL cycle. This was describedsupra. For an output interrupt instruction the RRQCYL cycle is identicalto any other output instruction, the address and data will take the samepaths. The only difference will be the translate signal 92711 which issent over to the remote ISL. In the remote ISL during execution of theRRQCYR cycle, data takes a little bit different path for data 6-9signals 33901 through 34201.

Referring to FIG. 14W, the outputs of MUX 756, the CP source address 0-3signals 75604, 75607, 75609 and 75612. These signals address RAM 757which stores the CP translation data. As described supra, the outputsignals of the RAM 757 are selected by MUX 780 because of the logic ONEstate of the signal 92601.

The output signals 78004, 78007, 78009 and 78012 are applied to theterminal "1" inputs of MUX 526, FIG. 14G. The output information willcontain the translated CP address enabling the controller to know whichcentral processor to interrupt. If that central processor is configuredwithin the ISL, the ISL will act as an agent for that CP interrupt whenissued. For an input interrupt control instruction, the RRQCYL cycle isselected in the local ISL followed by the RRQCYR cycle in the remoteISL.

Referring to FIG. 14W, as described supra during the RRQCYR cycle in theremote ISL flop 925 was set thereby generating the function translatorsignal 92505 which is applied to the input of AND gate 928. During theRRQCYR the first half request is transmitted on the remote communicationbus as described supra. When the controller sends the second halfresponse, this remote ISL unit will generate the RRSCYL cycle. Theoutput signal 92806 will be at logical one thereby selecting theterminal "1" input to MUX 749. Flop 925 will remain set until thegeneration of an RRQCYR cycle without the translator signal 92601 set.But this cannot happen until there has been a response in the case of aninput command. The output signals of MUX 749 address the RAM 754. Thedata contents of RAM 754 contain the reverse translation of RAM 757 sothat the original data of the output interrupt control is returned tothe central processor.

Referring to FIG. 14AA, output signal 92306 selects the terminal "1"inputs of MUX registers 851 and 853. MUX registers 851 selects the CPdestination 0 and 1 signals, 75411 and 75409. These signals are appliedto the data 6 output signal 85114 and the data 7 output signal 85113.The MUX register 853 selects CP destination 2, 3 signals 75407 and 75405which are applied to the data 8 and 9 output signals, 85312 and 85313.Also the data multiplexor 4, 5, 10 and 11 signals 78707, 78809, 79307and 79409 are applied to the inputs of MUX register 851 and 853. Theoutput of MUX registers 851 and 853 are applied to the drivers and aresent back to the local ISL with the rest of the data that was sent fromthe source CP when the output interrupt control instruction was issued.Therefore, on the ISL, the resulting communication bus cycle will givethe requester of the input interrupt control instruction the data.

The system memory may be configured to send two second half responses (2data words) for a single memory request in order to increase the memorythroughput. The first word is issued with the double pull signal 10404at logical zero during a first second half communication bus cycle.Approximately 300 nanoseconds later a second second half cycle is issuedwith signal 10404 at logical one.

Referring to FIG. 14N, as described supra, signals 40903 and 41106 atlogical ONE are applied to AND gate 500. Signal 44006 is also at logicalONE. The output signal 50008 is applied to the input of a NAND gate 373.The bus double pull signal 21006 is applied to another input of NANDgate 373. The write bus enable signal 64405 at logical ONE is applied toanother input of NAND gate 373. The output signal 37308 at logic ZEROsets a D-flop 352.

Referring to FIG. 14V, the output signal 35206 at logical ZERO isapplied to the input of NOR gate 351. The output signal 35106 is appliedto the input of register 490. The output signals 49014 and 49015 definethe memory response, MRSCYC cycle. Signals 35205 and 35308 are appliedto the inputs of AND/NOR gate 388. Since signal 35308 is at logical ONEat this time, the output signal 38808 at logical ZERO results in flops464 and 441 set as described supra thereby generating the ISL and thelocal cycles.

Referring to FIG. 14N, signals 32502 and 49015 at logical ONE areapplied to the input of an AND gate 354. Output signal 35411 is appliedto the clock terminal of a D-flop 353 which is set on the rise of signal35411 since signal 35205 applied to the CD terminal is at logical ONE.Setting flop 353 causes flop 352 to reset if the transfer full signal64602 is at logical ZERO which is the normal case.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, signal 35308 is applied to the clock terminalsof registers 367, 368 and 391 thereby storing the data and controloutput signals of RAM's 364, 365, 366, 177, 647 and 389 as describedsupra. The data is latched into registers 367, 368 and 391 for the firstmemory response cycle, which allows the memory response location ofRAM's 364-366, 177, 647 and 389 to be free for the second memoryresponse cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14N, during the first MRSCYL cycle, signals 49303 and37712 at logical ONE are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate 375. Theoutput signal 37511 at logical ZERO is applied to the input of an ORgate 350. The output signal 35008 is applied to the reset terminal offlop 353 thereby resetting the flop at the end of the first MRSCYL cycleof this double response. During the second memory response cycle outputsignal 50008 is still at logical ONE and is applied to the input of ANDgate 496. Signal 21104 at logical ONE is applied to the other terminalof AND gate 496. The output signal 49611 at logical ONE causes flop 492to set on the fall of the write enable signal 64405.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 49206 at logical ZERO is applied to NORgate 351 forcing another MRSCYL as described supra. Now in FIG. 14N, theoutput signal 35411 is forced to logical ONE again but due to the flop352 being reset, the D input signal 35205 is at logical ZERO. Therefore,flop 353 is not set. The data flow and address flow within the ISL isidentical to that of the first memory response cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14-0, during the first MRSCYL cycle the data wasstored in registers 367, 368 and 391. The clock input 35308 was forcedto logical ZERO at the end of that MRSCYL cycle. During the second cyclethe registers are loaded with the data from the second memory responsecycle when flop 353 sets and signal 35308 is at logical ONE.

The ISL can generate interrupts on behave of itself in certain cases ifthe interrupt control level register is loaded with non-zero informationand the proper CP address is loaded into the channel registers.

Referring to FIG. 14M, interrupt channel register 819 and level register857 contains the data that is used by the ISL to generate interrupts.The interrupt cycles defined are generated by the ISL and are notinterrupts that pass through the ISL.

Referring to FIG. 14X as described supra, if a non-existant memory erroror if a watchdog time out were detected from the remote ISL and if theinterrupt enable function was set for the non-existant memory or thewatch-dog timer, then the output of AND/NOR gate 895 would go to logicalZERO. Also if there were a non-existant memory error or a watchdogtime-out on the local ISL then the output of a NOR gate 824 signal 82406is at logical ONE setting flop 823. The inhibit signal 82106 is atlogical one as described supra. Flop 823 is set and the output signal82309 is applied to the input of AND gate 607. When the ISL goes idle,signal 43705 is at logical ONE, output signal 60708 is at logical ZEROthereby setting flop 427. Signals 43108 and 42504 are at logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14V, signal 42708 at logical ZERO is applied to theinput of OR gate 412. Output signal at logical ZERO is applied to gate287. Output signal 28708 at logical ZERO holds register 490 in a resetcondition. Signal 41206 is applied to NOR gate 608. The output signal60808 is applied to the CD terminal of flop 464. Signal 41206 is alsoapplied to NOR gate 176. The output signal 17612 is applied to the inputof AND gate 604. The rise of the output signal 60408 sets flops 464 and441 generating the local and ISL cycles and the delay line 374 outputtiming functions. Notice again no particular local cycle is generateddue to register 490 being held reset.

Referring to FIG. 14D, signals 42709 and 76208 at logical ONE areapplied to the inputs of AND/NOR gate 278. The output signal 27808generates a communication bus cycle and transmits the data and addressinformation out on the bus.

Referring to FIG. 14M, signal 42708 at logical ZERO is applied to theselect terminal of MUX 731 selecting the terminal "0" inputs. The outputsignals 73107, 73109, 73112 and 73104 represent the CP channel number tobe interrupted and are applied to the input of MUX 159, FIG. 14E. Theterminal "0" inputs of MUX 159 are selected since this is not a secondhalf bus cycle, signal 37806 is at logical ZERO. The MUX's 157, 158 and160 are not enabled and their outputs are at logical ZERO since theenable signal 42709 is at logical ONE. Also signal 42708 at logical ZEROis applied to the reset terminal of register 507 thereby forcing thehigh order address bits 0-8 to logical ZERO. The rest of the address buswill be logical ZERO except for bits 14 thru 17 which are the only bitsenabled on the inputs of registers 508 and 509.

Referring to FIG. 14T, signal 42708 at logical ZERO is applied to NORgate 801. Output signal 80108 at logical ONE thereby selecting theterminal "3" inputs of MUX's 783 through 798. The data MUX 0-5 signalsare at logical ZERO. Data MUX 6-9 indicate the interrupt channel 6-9signals. Data MUX 10-15 signals indicate level 0-5 signals. The level0-5 signals indicate the level at which the ISL is to interrupt thecentral processor.

Referring to FIG. 14G, the signal 42709 at logical ONE is applied to theinput of AND/NOR gate 524. The output signal 52408 at logical ZEROselects the terminal "0" inputs of MUX registers 525, 526 and 527.However, the terminal "1" input of MUX register 528 is selected sincesignal 42709 input to AND gate 372 is at logical ONE. Therefore MUXregister 528 will select data MUX 12-14 signals 79607, 79509, 97909 and79809.

MUX register 527 selects my data 10 and 11 signals 51303 and 51406.Signals 42709 and 79307 are applied to the input of AND gate 529. Sincesignal 42709 is at logical ONE, and the signal 86606 applied to OR gate513 is at logical ZERO, the signal 51406 reflects the state of the dataMUX 10 signal 79307.

Similarly, signals 42709 and 79409 are applied to the input of an ANDgate 530. The output signal is applied to the input of OR gate 514. Theoutput signal 51406 reflects the state of data MUX 11 signal 79409.

Referring to FIG. 14J, signals 10307 and 39716 are applied to the inputof a NAND gate 434. Signal 10307 reflects the state of the ISL channeladdress 8 signal since signal 39716 is at logical ZERO at this time.

The hexadecimal rotary switches 140 of FIG. 8, 101, 102 and 103 havetheir output signals ISLA9-16 applied to the terminal "1" inputs ofMUX's 435 and 436. The output signals ISIDA 1-8 are applied to theterminal "0" inputs of data MUX registers 526, 525 and 527 of FIG. 14G.

Therefore the data presented on the bus, when the communication buscycle is generated will be the address of the CP to be interrupted andthe channel address of the ISL and the level at which it is to interruptthe CPU.

Referring to FIG. 14G, signals 42709 and 80701 are applied to the inputsof an OR gate 454. The ISL write signal 45411 is applied to the input ofregister 523. The output signal 52306 is sent out on the communicationbus to indicate that the interrupt is a write cycle.

The ISL will receive either a NAK or an ACK response from the centralprocessor unit. IF a NAK response is received, then the CPU will followwith a BSRINT signal 10406 over the bus. In this case the interrupt mustbe regenerated.

Referring to FIG. 14I, the NAK response signal 24814 is applied to theinput of register 413 at the end of the my data cycle now signal 51608.The output signal 41307 is applied to the clock terminal of a D-flop431, FIG. 14X, thereby setting the flop. Flop 431 set inhibits anyfurther interrupt from the ISL from being generated until the BSRINTsignal 10406 is received from the central processor on the local bus.

The signal 10406 is the resume interrupt function that the CP generateswhen it can accept an interrupt. When the signal 10406 is generated, allthose devices having previously stored an interrupt (due to a NAK) willregenerate their interrupts. Signal 10406 is received by DRVR-RCV 258,FIG. 14B. The output signal 25806 is applied to the input of a NOR gate428, FIG. 14X. The output signal 42801 at logical ZERO resets flop 431.

If an ACK response was received then signal 41302 is applied to theinput of a NOR gate 426. The output signal 42610 resets flop 823.However, in the NAK response, flop 623 remains set.

Therefore, the input signals 43705, 43108, 42504 and 82309 at logicalONE are applied to the inputs of AND gate 607. Output signal 60708 setsflop 427 thereby initiating the interrupt cycle as described supra. Thesequence will continue until an ACK response is received from theinterrupt cycle generated by the ISL.

The master clear signal 44806 applied to the input of NOR gate 426resets flop 823.

Miscellaneous logic functions are described herein. Referring to FIG.14H, signals 44512, 33108 and 21710 at logical ONE are applied to theinputs of a NAND gate 555, indicate that during an ISL command, a dataparity error was sensed. Output signal 55508 at a logical ZERO isapplied to the input of OR gate 536. The output signal 53603 is appliedto the input of an OR gate 293, FIG. 14N, thereby resetting flop 584 bymeans of signal 29308. Signal 55508 is also applied to the input of NORgate 538, FIG. 14H, which results in the NAK response as describedsupra.

Signals 44006 and 25914 are applied to the input of an AND gate 606.Output signal 60606 generates an ACK response by indicating that duringthe second half bus cycle the ISL address was detected.

Referring to FIG. 14J, signals 93212 and 10114 are applied to the inputsof a NAND gate 610. The output signal 61010 at logical ONE enables amaster clear function issued on the local bus to be delivered to theremote ISL.

Signal 61010 is applied to the input of DRVR-RCV 242, FIG. 14B, fortransmission out on the bus.

Referring to FIG. 14Y, a retry clear D-flop 601 when set resets the RRQfull flop 584, FIG. 14N. Flop 601, FIG. 14Y, is set on a time-out error.Signal 17208 is applied to inverter 173. The output signal 17310 isapplied to the CD terminal of flop 601 which sets on the rise of signal27204.

Referring to FIG. 14P, signal 87407 is applied to inverter 557. Signal87407 at logical ZERO indicates that a remote strobe was received and aremote cycle is to take place. Output signal 55712 is applied to theinput of a NAND gate 285. Signal 21510 is applied to the other input ofNAND gate 285 and when at logical ONE indicates that this is not a buscycle. The output signal 28503 is applied to the input of an OR gate296. Signal 29803 is applied to another input of OR gate 296 and when atlogical ZERO indicates that the compare cycle is completed. Outputsignal 29608 at logical ZERO resets flop 297. Signals 35712 and 27308are applied to the inputs of a NAND gate 300. At 135 nanoseconds intothe compare equal cycle output signal 30011 is forced to logical ZERO isapplied to the input of an OR gate 298. Signal 83006, the ISL masterclear signal is applied to the other input of OR gate 298. Output signal29803 at logical ZERO indicates the end of the compare cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14G, the MRQCYR signal 86513 and the ISLOCK signal44311 are applied to the input of an AND gate 642. The output signal64206 is applied to the input of an OR gate 452. Signal 37806 is appliedto the other input of OR gate 452. Output signal 45206 is applied to theinput of register 515. Output signal 51507 generates the second half buscycle signal 10402 which is sent out on the communication bus. Duringthe write and reset lock instruction, signal 51507 indicates the memoryis to reset the test bit.

The test mode capabilities and the test mode cycling of the ISL aredescribed herein. There are two test mode cases, the memory loop-backcase and the Input/Output loop-back case. The memory loop-back case usesthe configuration of the ISL memory RAM's, the memory translation RAM'sand the memory hit bit RAM's to cycle the ISL. The standard cycling ofthe ISL would be basically controlled by the configuration loaded intoboth the local and remote ISL. The ISL is configured such that it willrespond to addresses on the bus. The remote ISL will receive the addressinformation from the local ISL and return it to the local ISL. Thereforein the memory loop-back case, the memory cycles associated with a memoryloop-back command are as was described supra in the information transfermode of the ISL. The test mode bits, described supra, in the ISLconfiguration mode if set allows the memory cycle to take place in theISL. The local ISL upon receiving a memory request generates a MRQCYLcycle that results in a MRQCYR cycle being generated in the remote ISL.Since the remote ISL is configured to accept the address that it sent tothe communication bus it will in turn generate a MRQCYL cycle as if itwere received from an external unit. This will generate a MRQCYR cycleback in the local ISL. Overall, the local bus cycle generates a cyclefrom the local ISL to the remote ISL and back to the local ISL. Either awrite or a read command may be generated. If a write command isgenerated then data would be written into the system memory locationthat was addressed by the local ISL. This original address is only validto the local ISL. This address is then translated by the local ISL tosome address that is not valid on the remote communication bus. Theremote ISL acts upon that address and retranslates it back as a usableaddress on the local bus. If the MRQ cycle involved in a request fordata then the local memory sends this data to the local ISL. Thisresponse generates the MRSCYL cycle in the local ISL which isacknowledged as described supra and then generates the MRSCYR in theremote ISL which sends the ISL address out on the communication bus. Theremote ISL receives the ISL address and generates the MRSCYL cycle whichgenerates the MRSCYR cycle in the local ISL and sends the data back tothe CP that requested the data originally. The data was requested fromsystem memory, sent to the local ISL, then was sent from the local ISLto the remote ISL, returned to the local ISL thereby generating eightcycles and going through all the standard data and address paths. Thiscompletes the memory loop-back case.

The I/O loop-back case operates in a similar manner to the memoryloop-back case except that it uses the retry path and also both testmode bits must be set. The test mode bit must be set in the local ISL;on the remote ISL the remote test mode bit must be set. Unlike thememory loop-back case, the remote test mode bit need not be set but itmay be set to avoid other traffic from getting into the ISL from theremote communication bus. The remote test mode bit inhibits allresponses except the ISL's own response from being answered. For astandard input/output command, the channel address and function codewhen in the input/output loop-back mode are used to address a memorylocation on the local ISL bus after passing that request through thelocal ISL and remote ISL and returning to the local ISL. The memorylocation address is used for either an I/O read or write operation. If aread, the requested data will be passed through the local ISL using theretry path through the remote, and back to the local as in memoryloop-back test. However, retry request cycle is used. The first cycle isthe local RRQCYL cycle which would be treated as a stand I/O command.This request is transferred to the remote ISL where the RRQCYR cycle isgenerated. This results in a communication bus cycle to a channeladdress which is not present on the remote bus, but is configured intothe remote ISL channel hit bit RAM. A bus WAIT response and a RRQCYLcycle will be generated by the remote ISL. The remote WAIT responsegenerates a remote ISL response back to the local ISL. The local ISLwill again attempt to reissue the same command as described supra, thestandard input/output commands. The RRQCYL cycle generated by the remoteISL results in a RRQCYR cycle in the local ISL. This RRQCYR cycle backon the local ISL bus changes the command from a channel command to amemory reference command. The memory reference signal is forced to alogical ONE so that the data accompanying this command is actually sentto a system memory, if a write command, and if it is a read request thenthe system memory will respond with data. If it was a write command wewould have written into a system memory location which the CP could thenread by generating a compare instruction within the CP to check if thedata received is the same as was sent. Since this command isacknowledged by the system memory, the acknowledgement is sent back tothe remote ISL via the remote response signal as described supra. Whenthe ensuing retry request cycle from the local ISL is issued to theremote ISL, the command will receive an acknowledge response which issent back to the local CP that requested the I/O read or write cycle.The acknowledge started from the local system memory to the local ISL,was sent to the remote ISL and back to the local ISL. The data startedfrom the local ISL went through the remote ISL and back to the localISL. It essentially acts as a memory request cycle word except it isusing the retry path and using the channel address and function code asa memory location. The data uses all the channel data paths. During theinput/output loop-back case data 10 bit the MRS bit, is logical ZEROtherefore for an I/O read loop-back the address bit 18 is at logicalZERO on the response cycle from the memory. The response would bereflected to the retry response location data file rather than thememory response. Therefore, the response from the system memory would beloaded into the retry response location and will generate an RRSCYLcycle. This RRSCYl cycle is acknowledged since it is a second-half buscycle and generates an RRSCYR cycle in the remote ISL which in turngenerates the RRSCYL in the same remote ISL as in the memory response.This again is acknowledged and the RRSCYL generates the RRSCYR back inthe remote ISL. The RRSCYR cycle sends the data to the CPU thatrequested the data and will end the input/output loop-back instruction.

Now to show the gates that control the specific test mode controls,referring to FIG. 14G, signal 53906 at logical ZERO is applied to theinput of AND gate 443. This inhibits the lock signal 44311 therebydisabling the function. As described supra, this signal controls certainfunctions when issuing memory commands.

Signal 53907 is applied to the input of an AND gate 627. The outputsignal 62708 is applied to the input of an OR gate 625. The outputsignal 62508 is applied to the input of register 523. The memoryreference output signal 52305 is sent out on the bus thereby indicatingthat this is a bus memory cycle. Gate 627 has input signal 53914. In thelocal ISL this signal is logic ONE, in the remote ISL it will be logicZERO, thus blocking memory reference on remote ISL.

This allows us to change an input/output command into a memoryreference. The RRQCYR signal 90201 allows the memory reference during aretry remote cycle operation when signal 90201 is at logical ONE.

Referring to FIG. 14R, signal 53915, TSTRMT on the input to gate 622will be logic ZERO in the local ISL and a logic ONE in the remote ISL.The other input to gate 622 is signal 51707 which will be at logic ONEwhen the remote ISL is not generating a communication bus cycle. Whenthe remote ISL receives a retry path request from an external source,gate 622 output signal will be a logic ZERO. This is applied to theinput of gate 546 which forces the output signal 54608 to logic ZEROthereby inhibiting the remote ISL from responding to anyone but itself.

Referring to FIG. 14I, test channel signal 62203 at logical ZERO isapplied to the input of an AND gate 626. The output signal 62606 atlogical ZERO inhibits the output of AND gate 548, signal 54808 therebyinhibiting the detection of a memory hit bit. This inhibits an externalsource from initiating an ISL memory request cycle.

Referring to FIG. 14P, during the input/output loopback mode, RRQCYRsignal 90201 at logical ONE is applied to the input of a NAND gate 623,remote answer signal 56802 which is at logical ONE as a result of theremote response being detected from the remote ISL, is applied toanother input of NAND gates 623. Test mode signal 53907 is applied tothe other input of NAND gate 623. Output signal 62308 at logical ZEROsets flop 297. When the ISL becomes idle, the signal 29908 is forced tological ONE thereby conditioning the setting of flop 318 on the rise ofclock signal 36008. This initiates a compare cycle which sends theremote answer received by the local ISL back to the local bus.

Referring to FIG. 14K, signal 53914 at logical ZERO is applied to theinput of AND gate 445. The output signal 44512 at logical ZERO inhibitsthe ISL on either bus from responding to an instruction.

For convenience in relating the functional blocks of FIG. 8 with thedetailed logic schematics of FIGS. 14, Table 13 lists the functionalblocks of FIG. 8 by title, reference number and logic sheet number. Thelogic sheet numbers in Table 13 can be used in conjunction with Table 12to determine those of FIGS. 14 in which a functional block of FIG. 8 isillustrated in detailed logic schematic form.

                  TABLE 13                                                        ______________________________________                                        Logic Sheet                                                                            Title              FIG. 8 & Ref. Nos.                                ______________________________________                                        1        Communication Bus                                                             Interface                                                            2        Comm. Bus Data &   90/141                                                     Control Tranceivers                                                  3        Comm. Bus Address &                                                                              98/123                                                     Control Transceivers                                                 4        Communication Bus                                                             Control                                                              5        Bus Address MUX and                                                                              111                                                        Register                                                             6        Internal Data & Address                                                                          105/117                                                    Tri-State Bus                                                        7        Bus Data MUX & Register                                                                          138                                               8        Comm. Bus Response                                                            Control Logic                                                        9        Mode Control Register                                                                            135                                                        (539)                                                                9        Remote Response Logic                                                10       Hex Rotary and ISL 140/99                                                     Address Compator                                                     11       Function Code PROM 102/106                                                    and Decoder                                                          12       Master Clear Generator                                                                           94                                                13       Interrupt Channel and                                                         Level Registers    132/134                                           13       Address MUX for Bits                                                                             112                                                        14-17                                                                15       File Full & Cycle                                                             Control                                                              16       Data & Address Files                                                                             103/92                                            16       Data File Transmitter                                                         Register (367-368) 121                                               17       Bus Compare        93                                                18       RAM Counter and    108/118                                                    Control                                                              19       Channel & Memory   100/101                                                    Address                                                              19       Channel Mask RAM   142                                                        (276)                                                                20       Memory Address Trans-                                                                            125                                                        lation RAMs                                                          20       MEM REF & IOLD Register                                                                          126/127                                           21       Internal Data MUX  129                                               22       Transfer Cycle Logic                                                 23       Cycle Generator    146                                               24       CPU Destination    114/131                                                    Address Register and                                                          Translation RAM                                                      24       CPU Source Address                                                            Register & Trans-                                                             lation RAM         136/113                                           24       Data MUX (780)     137                                               26       Watchdog Timer &                                                              Interrupt Control  133                                               27       Memory & I/O Timers                                                           Status             133                                               28       Intra Bus Address                                                             Driver Receivers   104/115                                           29       Intra Bus Data                                                                Driver/Receivers   116/139                                           30       ISL Control Driver/                                                           Receivers                                                            31       ISL Intrabus Connectors                                                       and Terminators                                                      ______________________________________                                    

Table 14 lists each of the logic component types illustrated in FIGS. 14by generic name, and model or order number. Each of those logiccomponents not having an adjacent asterick are manufactured and sold byTexas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas, Texas. The vendors for theremaining logic components are indicated at the base of Table 14.

The delay lines DLY125T, 150T, 200T and 6040 were specially designed byHoneywell for implementation into the ISL unit, and are fully disclosedin the following publications available to the public:

1. Document No. 11040109, Rev. A

2. Specification No. 60067122, Rev. A.

3. Specification No. 04550072, Rev. C

4. Specification No. 04550075, Rev. C

5. Specification No. 04550079, Rev. B

6. Specification No. 04550081, Rev. B

                  TABLE 14                                                        ______________________________________                                                       Model or                                                       Generic Name   Order No.  Drawing   Ref. No.                                  ______________________________________                                        *.sub.1 Transceiver                                                                          26S10      14B       263                                       *.sub.2 PROM   5603A      14K       399                                       Hex Schmitt-Trigger                                                           Inverter       7414       14X       261                                       4-line to 16-line                                                             decoders/demulti-                                                             plexers        74154      14K       397                                       4-bit D-type                                                                  registers      74173      14K       400                                       Hex D-type flip-flops                                                                        74174      14G       515                                       Dual Monostable                                                               multivibrators 74221      14Y       611                                       Octal D-type flip-                                                            flops          74273      14G       523                                       Dual 4-input positive                                                         NAND gate with open-                                                          collector outputs                                                                            74H21      14V       583                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive NAND gates                                                                          74LS00     14R       622                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive NOR gates                                                                           74LS02     14N       482                                       Hex inverters  74LS04     14O       408                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive AND gate                                                                            74LS08     14H       606                                       Triple 3-input positive                                                       NAND gate      74LS10     14G       465                                       Quad D-type flip-flops                                                                       74LS175    14P       568                                       Synchronous up/down                                                           counters (binary with                                                         clear)         74LS193    14X       636                                       Dual 4-input positive                                                         NAND gates     74LS20     14X       607                                       Dual 4-input positive                                                         AND gates      74LS21     14X       634                                       Quad data selectors/                                                          multiplexers   74LS258    14J       436                                       Quad 2-input multi-                                                           plexers with storage                                                                         74LS298    14G       526                                       AND-OR Invert Gates                                                                          74LS51     14I       570                                       4 by 4 register files                                                                        74LS670    14O       365                                       Dual D-type positive                                                          edge triggered flip-                                                          flops with preset and                                                         clear          74LS74     14N       487                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive NAND gates                                                                          74S00      14O       476                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive NOR gates                                                                           74S02      14D       292                                       Hex inverters  74S04      14B       241                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive AND gates                                                                           74S08      14O       409                                       Triple 3-input                                                                positive NAND gates                                                                          74S10      14O       411                                       Dual J-K negative edge                                                        triggered flip-flops                                                          with present and clear                                                                       74S112     14D       534                                       Triple 3-input                                                                positive AND gates                                                                           74S11      14D       256                                       13 input positive                                                             NAND gates     74S133     14D       520                                       Dual 4-input positive                                                         NAND 50-ohm line                                                              drivers        74S140     14I       216                                       Dual 4-line to 1-line                                                         data selectors/multi-                                                         plexers        74S153     14N       396                                       Quad 2 to 1 line data                                                         selectors/multiplexers                                                        (non inverted data                                                            outputs)       74S157     14E       159                                       Quad D-type flip-flops                                                                       74S175     14K       418                                       Dual 4-input                                                                  positive NAND gates                                                                          74S20      14V       645                                       Dual S-input                                                                  positive NOR gates                                                                           74S260     14H       130                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             positive OR gates                                                                            74S32      14G       513                                       Octal D-type latches                                                                         74S373     14O       367                                       And-OR-Invert Gates                                                                          74S51      14I       281                                       4-2-3-2 input and-or                                                          invert gates   74S64      14D       278                                       Dual D-type positive-                                                         edge-triggered flip-                                                          flops with preset                                                             and clear      74S74      14H       433                                       Quadruple 2-input                                                             exclusive OR gates                                                                           74S86      14L       251                                       *.sub.3 Parity generator                                                                     86S62      14B       232                                       *.sub.4 1024 address random                                                   access memory  93425A     14R       276                                       *.sub.5 Comparator                                                                           93S47      14P       384                                       *.sub.6 Delay line 125 ns                                                                    DLY125T    14V       374                                       *.sub.6 Delay line 150 ns                                                                    DLY150T    14I       358                                       *.sub.6 Delay line 200 ns                                                                    DLY200T    14L       467                                       *.sub.6 Delay line 40 ns                                                                     DLY6040    14D       255                                       ______________________________________                                         Manufacturers:                                                                *.sub.1 Advanced Micro Devices, Sunnyvale, California                         *.sub.2 Intersil, Sunnyvale, California                                       *.sub.3 Signetics, Sunnyvale California                                       *.sub.4 Fairchild, Mountain View, California                                  *.sub.5 Fairchild, Mountain View, California                             

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrated and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intersystem communication link for use in adata processing system having plural intersystem communication links foraccommodating the transfer of information between plural communicationbusses each providing a common information path for data processingdevices electrically interfacing therewith, which comprises:(a)asynchronous information acquisition means for capturing at the bus ratebinary information presented on a first one of said communication busseswherein each type of bus communication is stored in a separate one ofplural dedicated file locations included in said acquisition meansthereby accommodating plural bus communications of different types inparallel; (b) information decoding means in electrical communicationwith said acquisition means for identifying substantially at said busrate binary information to be further processed by said intersystemlink; (c) information translation means in electrical communication withsaid acquisition means for selectively converting substantially at saidbus rate address information presented on said first bus to addressinformation pertaining to a second, remote one of said communicationbusses, and address information pertaining to said second bus to addressinformation pertaining to said first bus; and (d) logic control means inelectrical communication with said decoding means, said translationmeans, and said acquisition means and responsive to detection of firstcontrol signals on said first bus by said acquisition means foreffecting a selective reconfiguration of said intersystem link andfurther responsive to the detection of second control signals on saidfirst bus by said acquisition means for controlling the transfer ofinformation through said intersystem link to said remote second bus. 2.The intersystem communication link of claim 1 wherein said informationacquisition means further includes:(a) data register file meansresponsive to control signals on said first bus and to said logiccontrol means for storing data in selected ones of said plural dedicatedfile locations; and (b) address register file means responsive tocontrol signals on said first bus and to said logic control means forstoring address information in selected ones of said plural dedicatedfile locations.
 3. The intersystem communication link of claim 1 whereinsaid decoding means further includes:(a) intersystem link identificationmeans responsive to address information on said first bus foridentifying at the bus rate first half bus cycle requests and secondhalf bus cycle responses from said first bus; (b) bus comparator meansresponsive to said acquisition means and to said logic control means forcomparing information received from said first bus in a previous buscycle with information received from said first bus in a current buscycle, thereby indicating to said logic control means that a responsereceived from said remote second bus may be applied to said first bus;(c) channel address decoding means responsive to address information foridentifying substantially at the bus rate information to be transferredthrough said intersystem link to non-memory devices; and (d) memoryaddress decoding means responsive to address information for identifyingsubstantially at the bus rate information to be transferred through saidintersystem link to memory devices.
 4. The intersystem communicationlink of claim 1 wherein said information translation means furtherincludes:(a) memory address translation means selectively convertinglocal memory addresses to remote memory addresses for either directlyaddressing remote memory devices on said second bus or providing to aremote non-memory device on said second bus a memory address; (b)destination central processing unit (CPU) address translation meansselectively converting local CPU address information to remote CPUaddress information for addressing remote CPUs, and selectivelyconverting remote address information to local address information foridentification by a local CPU; and (c) source CPU address translationmeans selectively converting local CPU address information to remote CPUaddress information for addressing local and remote CPUs.
 5. Theintersystem communication link of claim 1 wherein said logic controlmeans further includes:(a) mode control means responsive to saidacquisition means for placing said intersystem link in an on-line, clearor stop logic state; (b) cycle generator means responsive to saidacquisition means and said mode control means for selectively generatinginternal intersystem link timing signals asynchronous to said bus rateto control information flow between said first and second busses; (c)timing and status logic means responsive to said acquisition means andsaid cycle generator means for detecting and circumventing informationflow deadlocks, and indicating such occurrences; (d) interrupt meansresponsive to said timing and status logic means, and in electricalcommunication with said acquisition means for identifying to said firstbus the occurrence of extraneous interrupts in said intersystem link;(e) function code decoder means responsive to said acquisition means andsaid cycle generator means for providing a selected one of pluralintersystem link operation commands to said mode control means, saidtiming and status logic means, and said interrupt means; and (f) RAMcounter and control means responsive to said acquisition means and saidfunction code decoder means for selectively reconfiguring saidintersystem link.
 6. An intersystem communication link for use in a dataprocessing system having plural intersystem communication links foraccommodating the transfer of information between plural communicationbusses each providing a common information path for data processingdevices electrically interfacing therewith, which comprises:acquisitionmeans, including storage means, responsive to first control signalspresented on a first one of said communication busses for storingtransfer data, also presented on said first bus, in said storage means;decoder means responsive to said first control signals for generating anenabling signal indicating that said transfer data stored in saidstorage means is to be transferred to a remote second one of saidcommunication busses; translation means for translating at least aportion of said transfer data to produce output data having a dataformat compatible with the data conventions of said remote second bus;and transfer control means actuated in response to said enabling signalfor transferring said output data together with transfer data from saidstorage means to said remote second bus.
 7. The intersystemcommunication link of claim 6 further comprising:logic control meanscoupled to said first bus and responsive to second control signalspresented thereon for effecting a selective reconfiguration of saidintersystem communication link to modify the data transfer functionsthereof.
 8. The intersystem communication link of claim 7 wherein saidlogic control means is constructed and arranged to modify the operationof said translation means after the data conventions of said remotesecond bus have been changed, whereby said translation means producesoutput data having a data format compatible with the changed dataconventions of said remote second bus.
 9. The intersystem communicationlink of claim 6 further comprising:means for receiving remote transferdata from said remote second bus; means included in said translationmeans for translating at least a portion of said remote transfer data toproduce input data having a data format compatible with the dataconventions of said first bus; and means for applying said input data tosaid first bus to effect a data transaction thereon.
 10. The intersystemcommunication link of claim 6 wherein said storage means includes aplurality of dedicated storage locations and said acquisition meansfurther comprises means for receiving said first control signals andbeing responsive to different types of said first control signalsrepresenting different types of data transactions for storing thetransfer data on said first bus in a selected one of said dedicatedstorage locations depending on the type of first control signalreceived.